Italian colonists in Albania

At the outbreak of war in 1915, Italy seized the chance to occupy the southern half of Albania, to prevent the Austro-Hungarians from capturing it.

That success did not last long, as post-war domestic problems, defeat in the Vlora War, and pressure from U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, forced Italy to pull out in 1920.

[2] But Italy retained the island of Sazan, in front of Vlorë, that was annexed to the Province of Zara in Italian Dalmatia.

On 9 April 1939, King Zog fled to Greece,[7] and Albania ceased to exist as an independent country.

The throne was claimed by King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy,[7] who was the official ruler of Albania until his abdication on 25 July 1943.

Indeed, this unification was partially realised after the Axis defeat of Yugoslavia and Greece in spring 1941 and the expansion of Albania into Macedonia, Kosovo, Novi Pazar and Montenegro.

But in November 1941, they started to face contrary manifestations and the resistance of some Albanians, organized mainly by the Communist Party of Enver Hoxha.

[11] The first Italians to colonise Albania were fishing families from Apulia, who moved to the island of Sazan opposite Vlorë in 1918.

They were initially successful, and created the company Ente industria agraria albanese with an agricultural school, but the regime of King Zog expelled them in 1931, fearing excessive Italian influence in Albanian society and politics.

[12] In addition to these colonists, 22,000 Italian casual laborers went to Albania in April 1940 to construct roads, railways and infrastructure.