On April 7, 1939, the Anti-Fascist National Liberation War (April 7, 1939 – November 29, 1944) began, one of the largest and most successful war fought by Albanians in their history. The aggression undertaken by Fascist Italy ended with the occupation of the country. The invasion of Albania was part of the strategic plans for the establishment of fascist regimes in the Balkan region. Italy had long-standing strategic interests and goals. First, Albania, located on the other side of the Adriatic, very close to Italy, had enviable natural resources, the exploitation of which was thought to bring economic benefits to Rome. Albania was rich in strategic products of primary importance for the military industry, such as: oil, bitumen, iron, chrome, etc. Secondly, the favorable geographical position gave Albania a special importance in the strategic plans of Rome. According to the fascist leaders, Albania had to serve as a bridge for further penetration into the Balkans and beyond, as Italy did not think of stopping and being content with the conquest of Albania. It aimed to further expand the borders of the fascist Roman Empire, including the other Balkan countries. The aggression it would later undertake against Greece, best demonstrated Rome’s plans and claims. (In the photo: The arrival of the Italian soldiers in the port of Durrës, 1939.)
Text : History of the Albanian people – Vol. IV , Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Toena”, Tirana, 2009, page 23-24.
Photo : © Central State Archives
Graphic processing: AHCF
