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Ottoman Reasures Control
Although the Ottoman Empire had partial control over Libya, in 1835 they reestablished their administration to protect Libya from the European's colonization. -
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Imperialism in Libya
See how Libya change throughout the years and eventually gained its independence. -
Italy Interested in Libya
It wasn't until the 1860's that Italy become a unifie-state which led to fall behind the scramble for Africa. Italy had interest in Tunisia but the French made it into their protecturate. In 1878, during the Berlin Conferene, Italy was given the rights to colonizing Libya even though they just wanted Libya for the Mediterranean Trade and other commercial purposes. A sphere of influence is an area in which in outside power claims exclusive investment or trading privileges. -
Italian-Turkish War
Italy already had Libya under their sphere of influence but their interest in making Libya their colony grew, except the Ottoman Turks stood in their way. In 1911, Italy declared war on the Turks. Eventually, the war ended with the Treaty of Ouchy which gave Italy 3 major Ottoman provinces (Tripolitania, Fezzan, and Cyrenaica) that made up Libya. Italy finally seized control of Libya. -
Libya Resists Italy
In the 1920's, the Senussi (tribe in Libya) joined the Libyans in resisting the Italian rule. This led to the second Italian-Senussi War (1921-1931) in which Senussi leader, Umar al Mukhtar, led an attack against Italy. Muktar was a master of guerilla warfare and had Italian military leader, Rudolfo Graziani, cornered. Graziani battled back and in 1931 the Senussi fell and Muktar was hung. Libya was fully under the control of Italy. -
Tough LIfe for Libyans
In 1931, Mukhtar was hung in front of thousands of Libyans. The Italians then proceeded to put Libyans in concentration camps, where many died from diseases and lack of nutrition. After the war, many Italians move to Libya wiping out the indigenous people in the process. The Libyans that survived the camps were given little land and no education. -
Libya Constitution
The idea of a constitution in Libya was brought up in October in 1951. Months later, Libya achieved independence and became a constitutional monarchy. -
Libya's Independence
As Libyan Nationalists fought for independence other nations such as Britain and France took over parts of Libya. Italy's control over Libya eventually fell apart and the United Nations took over Libya. The UN decided to grant Libya its independence. In 1951, Libya became independent under King Idris al-Sanusi. -
New Leader in Libya
In 1969, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi leads a military coup (an organzied action by an armed force of a country to dethrone somone in the gov't) an gets rid of King Idris. -
Gaddafi Dies
In 2011, Muammar Gaddafi was found and killed in his home town in Sirte. Three days later, the NTC ( National Transitional Council) declares Libya to be officially "liberated" and announces plans to hold elections within eight months.
