Italian invasion of Albania

Italy invaded Albania on 7 April 1939, quickly defeating its armed forces and establishing occupation. King Zog fled, and Italy declared Albania annexed under the Italian crown.

Italian landing at Durrës: The principal Italian amphibious assault on the Albanian port of Durrës on 7 April 1939. The largest landing met Albanian defenders during the opening hours of the invasion.
Italian imperialism: Italy’s pursuit of territorial expansion and political dominance, especially in Africa and the Mediterranean. Albania was a target of Italy’s broader effort to expand Mediterranean power.
Italian occupation of Albania: Italy’s rule over Albania from 1939 until its surrender in 1943, including political and military control. The invasion began this four-year period of Italian rule.
German occupation of Czechoslovakia: Germany’s seizure and occupation of the Czech lands in March 1939, following the Munich Agreement. Both occupations followed the Munich crisis, but Germany’s target was far larger and more industrialized.
Albanian resistance to the Italian invasion: The armed opposition mounted by Albanian forces and civilians against Italy’s April 1939 invasion. Resistance delayed Italian troops at several ports but could not stop the occupation.
Italian–Albanian relations: The political, economic, and military relations between Italy and Albania across modern history. Earlier dependence and influence made Albania vulnerable to Italian coercion.
Italian annexation of Albania: Italy’s 1939 formal incorporation of Albania under the Italian crown after the invasion. Annexation converted military occupation into a claimed union with Italy.
Italian invasion of Ethiopia: Italy’s 1935–1936 conquest of Ethiopia, which established Italian colonial rule there. The invasion of Albania repeated Italian expansionism on a smaller European stage.
Zog I of Albania: Albania’s king from 1928 until 1939, when he fled the country during Italy’s invasion. His departure removed the monarchy’s government from Albania as Italian forces advanced.
Treaty of Tirana: The 1926 agreement between Italy and Albania that expanded Italian influence through a defensive alliance. The treaty was part of the relationship Italy used to exert leverage before invasion.

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