Armies of the Italian-Turkish War

This title explores Italy's conquest of Libya during the Italian-Turkish War, detailing the military strategies and tribal resistance faced during this pivotal campaign.

In the early 1900s, the Ottoman Turkish Empire was in decline, having lost several Balkan territories but still controlling North Africa. Libya, with its fertile coastal land, remained the last region in North Africa not yet colonized by a European power. Italy, a relatively new nation, sought to expand its empire after its defeat in Ethiopia. The government, under Giovanni Giolitti, aimed to reclaim national pride and establish control over the central Mediterranean by invading Libya, located just across from Sicily.

The Italian military expedition launched in October 1911 faced little resistance from the Ottoman forces stationed along the coast. However, the local Libyan tribes mounted a fierce insurgency, leading to significant Italian casualties and a prolonged stalemate. This situation dampened public support for the war in Italy. In an effort to restore national prestige, the Italian government initiated a naval campaign targeting Turkish-held territories in the Aegean Sea, capturing Rhodes in early 1912. Eventually, by employing systematic air reconnaissance, the Italian army advanced inland in Libya, resulting in brutal confrontations.

This book provides a detailed account of the Italian conquest of Libya during the Italian-Turkish War. It features full-color artwork and in-depth analysis of the military forces involved, including the tribal insurgents and the naval operations that shaped this conflict. The implications of this war extended beyond the immediate conquest, influencing the dynamics of both World Wars.