Invasion of Libya Flashcards
Reasons for the invasion?
- Italy’s deal with France from 1902 that stated that Italy would help France’s expansion into Morocco if France helped an invasion of Libya was coming to an end when France began consolidating control in Morocco.
- To recover from the humiliation at Adwa and Tunisia
- It would gain some Catholic Support as they had financial interests
- Would appease the Nationalists who wanted expansion
When was the invasion?
September 1911
Initial reaction to the invasion?
Greeted with national enthusiasm, even from socialist leaders such as Bissolati.
Invasion timeline
-Italy’s naval forces seized most costal ports and villages in 3 weeks
- Giolitti put pressure on the Ottomans by putting forces in the islands in the Aegean Sea
-Turkey got into a war with Montenegro and others, meaning Ottomans surrendered Libya to Italy
-Italy kept 50,000 troops in Libya to pacify the Arab population
How many Italian casualties were there?
3,500
How did the war affect ANI support?
The war increased their support and accentuated their opposition to the Lib Gov. The ANI took credit for the war, claiming they forced Gio into declaring war reluctantly. They used their connections in the papers to reinforce this. They also blamed Giolitti’s government for the loss of life and the cost of the war, claiming it wasn’t managed properly.
How did the Libyan war effect the relationship with the PSI?
Destroyed cooperation with the PSI who opposed the war as imperialist militarism. The revolutionary wing was able to rise up and seize control of the PSI and rejected any further co-operation with Gio.
