What strategic territories did Italy seek in its expansion?

Italy sought strategic territories in Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe, including Ethiopia, Albania, and parts of France and Greece.

In the early 20th century, Italy, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, embarked on an aggressive expansionist policy. This was driven by a desire to establish a new Roman Empire and to secure resources and strategic territories. The primary focus of this expansion was Africa, particularly Ethiopia, which Italy invaded in 1935. This was a strategic move as Ethiopia was one of the few independent nations in Africa and its conquest would give Italy a significant foothold on the continent.

In the Mediterranean, Italy sought to establish dominance by controlling key territories. This included Albania, which Italy invaded in 1939. Albania's strategic location on the Adriatic Sea made it a valuable asset for Italy's ambitions of controlling the Mediterranean. Additionally, Italy also had designs on the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea, which were under Italian control from 1912 to 1947. These islands were seen as crucial for maintaining control over the sea lanes of the eastern Mediterranean.

In Europe, Italy sought to expand its borders by annexing territories from neighbouring countries. This included parts of France, such as Nice, Corsica, and Savoy, which Italy claimed on historical and ethnic grounds. Italy also had territorial ambitions in the Balkans, particularly in Greece and Yugoslavia. The invasion of Greece in 1940 was part of Italy's broader strategy to establish a sphere of influence in south-eastern Europe.

Furthermore, Italy's expansionist policy was also driven by a desire to secure resources. The conquest of Ethiopia, for example, was partly motivated by the country's rich natural resources, including gold, oil, and fertile agricultural land. Similarly, the annexation of Albania provided Italy with access to valuable mineral resources, such as oil and chrome.

In conclusion, Italy's expansionist policy under Mussolini was driven by a combination of strategic, historical, and resource-based considerations. The territories it sought in Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe were seen as crucial for establishing a new Roman Empire and securing Italy's position as a major world power.