
Italian Colonization of Libya
Italy's colonization of Libya began in 1911 when Italy invaded the Ottoman-ruled territory, aiming to expand its empire. Over the next few decades, Italy established control over Libya, including Tripoli, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan, often using military force and oppressive policies. They sought to exploit Libya’s resources, such as oil and agricultural land, and imposed Italian settlers and governance structures. The colonization faced resistance from local Libyans, especially during the Libyan resistance movements in the 1920s and 1930s. Italy officially integrated Libya as an Italian colony until World War II, after which Libya gained independence in 1951.