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Period: to
Libya
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Conditions prior to Imperialism
Prior to Imperialism, Libya was controlled by the ottomans. Other than the Ottoman Empire, Libya was constantly being controlled by other outside rulers. However, Italy was the first to take full control and settle in Libyan land. -
Italy Imperializes Libya
In 1931, after many years of long wars and fighting, the Ottomans surendered and Italy gained control of libya. The Italians came to Libya because they saw this land as one of the only countries left in North Africa and wanted to take advantage of it. -
Colonization
Italy saw Libya with a close location to home, a Mediterranean coast and an ideal trading colony. Italy imperialized Libya for raw materials, trade location and the concept that every important European nation had colonies. One of the major resorces of Libya is its large supply of oil. -
Type of Rule
When Italy imperialized Libya they ruled with direct control. Over 150,000 Italians came and settled within the colony. Italy's main goal of the colony was to include it in Italy's sphere of influence. -
Libya's response
When Italy first tried to imperialize Libya, many faught back and rebelled against Italy. Italy faught many wars when Libyans resisted. First was a brief war against the Ottomans, then came World War I and finally, a colonial war broke out. -
Independence
In 1951 Libya gained their independence from Italy. From this point, Libya became a constitutional monarchy. -
Major transformation for Libya
In 1959 a huge discovery changed Libya. The major find was the oil reserves. This exposure re-enforced Libya's new independence. -
Gaddafi takes charge
In 1979 a new leader, Gaddafi, is brought up. He is known simply as the "Leader of the Revolution". From this point on he controlled every possible aspect of Libya. Gaddafi soon gained a bad reputation as a dictator. Gaddafi was known for his use of Libya's oil for foreign affairs.
