Italian Attempts At Colonistion In Africa

Question 1

Tunisia 1871

Answer 1

In 1871, an expedition was sent to annex the country but Britain and France who also wanted to take Tunisia opposed this.

Congress of Berlin 1878- Britan let France take control of Tunisia in exchange for Britain gaining control of Cyprus

Treaty of Bardo 1881- made Tunisia a French protectorate. Italian protests were ignored.

Anti-French feeling and worsening relations are two reasons why Italy joined the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1882.

Question 2

Eritrea

Answer 2

1869: Italian trading company acquired a trading station at Assab on the Red Sea

1885: Italian troops occupied the port of Massawa and then moved inland

1887: At Dogali a native African force wiped out 500 well equipped Italian troops.

This humiliation led to Depretis being removed as Prime Minister

Question 3

Abyssinia

Answer 3

1889: Italy had backed Menelek for the Abyssinian throne and signed a treaty (Uccialli). Italy therefore felt it was justified in claiming Abyssinia as a protectorate. This infuriated Menelek.

1895: Forces used Eritrea as a base to launch an attack. Menelek was well prepared with 200,000 men armed (many with Italian rifles!). The Italian army was disorganised and ill-equipped.

1896: Italy was annihilated at the Battle of Adowa and forced to flee. There were 5000 dead

Italy had to accept Abyssinian independence at the Treaty of Addis Ababa

Crispi resigned after national humiliation

Question 4

Libya 1911

Answer 4

1911: The only opposition to Italy taking control of the area came from Germany (due to Italy’s lack of enthusiasm for the Triple Alliance).

October 1911: Italy sends ultimatum to Turkey demanding its support for Italy occupying the territory. Italy then declared war and sent soldiers.

This was enthusiastically supported by the press who were strongly nationalistic and patriotic. Also, the famous poet Gabriele D’Annunzio wrote passionately about the war.

1912: The Treaty of Lausanne was greeted with euphoria. But, although Italy now gained territory, it was of little benefit. Libya was largely a desert and had few attractions as well as placing a financial burden on Italy.