Libyan war Flashcards
Where did the Italian claims over Libya date back to?
The congress of Berlin in 1878, in which France and Britain agreed that Tripoli would be a colony of Italy. However, the Italian government did little to realize the opportunity and knowledge of Libyan territory and resources remianed scarce in the following years
What did the Italian press begin to do at the end of 1911?
Began a large scale lobbying campaign in favour of an invasion of Libya
How did the Italian press depict Libya in 1911?
- Rich in minerals
- Well-watered
- Defended by only 4,000 troops
- The population was described as hostile to the Ottomans and friendly to the Italians
- The invasion would be little more than a ‘military walk’ according to them
How did the Italian government respond for the popular push for a war in Libya?
They were hesitant, but in the summer preparations were made for an invasion. Giolitti began to probe other major powers about possible reactions to an invasion of LIbya
An ultimatum was sent to the Ottoman government. How did they respond?
Proposed transferring control of Libya to Italy without war, and simply keeping Ottoman suzerainty (ceremonial allegiance). Giolitti refused, and war was declared in September 1911
How long did it take for Turkey to surrender Tripoli?
A year of fighting
What did Italian forces occupy during the Libyan war?
The Dodecanese islands in the Aegean sea
What treaty did Italy sign with the Ottoman Empire in 1912?
The treaty of Ouchy, promising to return the Dodecanese islands to the Ottoman Empire. However the vagueness of the text allowed for administration of the islands, and Turkey eventually renounced their claim on the islands in 1923
What were the financial consequences of the invasion of Libya?
- It cost 80 mllion lire a month instead of the anticipated 30 million, with the war also carrying on for much longer than expected
