Albanian Chronicles Diary

7 April 1939

In the tumultuous April of 1939, Europe found itself at the centre of a melting pot of geopolitical tensions, with international diplomacy, with inquiring and concerned eyes, constantly turned towards the aggressive and unstoppable expansion of Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler, an emblematic figure of this historical period, driven by a relentless and insatiable thirst for power, nurtured an ambition to extend his rule, aiming with particular interest at controlling Danzig. This city, located on the Baltic coast, represented not only an important commercial and strategic hub but also a crucial symbol in Hitler's aspirations of hegemony, a piece to add to the chessboard of his expanding empire.

While the European continent, shrouded in palpable tension, tried to navigate its way through the complex dynamics triggered by German expansionist aspirations, another scenario, equally charged with imperialist ambitions, was simultaneously emerging. This new theatre of expansionist aspirations found its stage in the Balkans, under the direction and influence of Fascist Italy, led with a firm hand and authoritarian vision by Benito Mussolini, the Duce's Italy, animated by a similar desire for greatness and domination, aimed to expand its borders and consolidate its influence, seeing in the tumultuous and fragmented Balkans a unique opportunity to realise such ambitions.

This period of history, characterised by a complex web of alliances, rivalries and geopolitical strategies, testifies to the burning desire for power that animated the leaders of the time, who were ready to reshape the world order according to their own desires. The Nazi expansion towards the East and Italy's imperialistic aims on the Balkans reflected a worldview in which the stronger nations felt entitled, if not obliged, to dominate the weaker ones, following a principle of prevarication that would have devastating consequences in the months and years to follow.

Against this backdrop of overlapping ambitions and rising tensions, Europe in 1939 looked like a barrel of gunpowder, about to explode at the slightest spark. International diplomacy, while engaged in a frantic and desperate attempt to maintain peace, was faced with the reality of a continent on the brink of a war of unimaginable proportions, a war that would change the face of the world forever.

Benito Mussolini, with his imperialistic vision strongly influenced by the grandeur and prestige of ancient Rome, nurtured the ambition to expand Italian influence far beyond the borders of the peninsula. The Duce saw the tumultuous Balkans as the ideal stage to stage his power aspirations, a geographical area where Italy could assert its supremacy and build an empire emulating the magnificence of the Roman one. Among the nations of this stratified and complex region, Albania stood out as the most exposed and vulnerable, a precious jewel set in the heart of the Balkans, but weakened by deep internal divisions and torn by incessant conflicts between rival clans.

These internal rifts made Albania particularly susceptible to outside influences, and Mussolini, with a keen and calculating eye, seized this opportunity to extend the shadow of fascist Italy. The self-proclaimed King Zog I, who had ascended the Albanian throne bringing with him promises of national unity and renewed prosperity, soon found himself trapped in a web of debt to Italy, a financial constraint that proved unsustainable for the Albanian economy. This precarious financial situation only aggravated the country's already precarious position, making it even more susceptible and vulnerable to Mussolini's expansionist ambitions.

Albania, therefore, became the privileged target of Fascist Italy, not only because of its strategic location but also because of its obvious internal difficulties, which made it seemingly easy prey. Mussolini, playing the role of aggressor in his aspiration to recreate a new Roman Empire, aimed to exploit these vulnerabilities to impose Italian hegemony in a region marked by centuries of conflict and external domination. The Albania affair, so deeply intertwined with the imperialist aims of fascist Italy, reflects a historical period in which the great powers were ready to do anything to expand their dominion, without considering the devastating consequences their actions could have on the populations involved.

The morning of 7 April 1939 marked a radical and irreversible change in the history of Albania, ushering in a period of profound transformation for the nation. With the arrival of dawn, Italian military forces crossed the Albanian border in a sudden and lightning-fast move, initiating an invasion that would lead Albania into a new and painful era. Far from being the act of peaceful unification touted by the fascist regime, the event quickly revealed its true face, characterised by tension and unrest.

King Zog, faced with the relentless advance of the Italian troops, found himself forced into a corner from which he could not find an honourable way out. His decision to flee to Greece, rather than an act of difficult judgement, appeared in the eyes of many as a hasty move, an abandonment of his country and his people at a time of extreme uncertainty. This action was interpreted not as a choice dictated by circumstances, but as a sign of betrayal, an abdication of his responsibilities towards Albania that left a deep wound in his national pride.

King Zog's flight was seen as the last act of a compromised sovereignty, leaving Albania exposed to the imperialist ambitions of fascist Italy. That 7 April not only marked the beginning of the Italian occupation, but also the collapse of the image of a monarch who, until that moment, had embodied the hope of unity and independence for his people. History will remember him as a controversial figure, caught between the expectations of a country in search of guidance and the harsh political realities of a tumultuous era.

The Albanian army, although animated by a deep sense of patriotism and a firm will to resist, was confronted by an overwhelmingly powerful enemy, superior not only in terms of the number of men in the field but also in the technological superiority of its equipment. The resistance put up by the Albanian forces, although conducted with heroism and determination, was short-lived and ultimately ineffective in the face of Italy's immense military superiority.

That fateful day would be indelibly etched in the collective memory of the Albanian people, taking on the significance of a day of profound national mourning. It was not only the marked inequality between the forces on the field that made that date so emblematic, but the inherent symbolism of the loss of national sovereignty. At that moment, Albania not only lost control of its territory, but also saw the ideal of self-determination and independence that had fuelled the hope of its people shattered.

The brief and fruitless resistance underlined not only the determination and courage of the Albanians in defending their land, but also the asymmetry of the forces at play, which precluded any possibility of success against the Italian advance. The day of 7 April thus became an enduring symbol of the struggle for sovereignty and independence, a moment of profound reflection on the fragility of small nations in the face of the expansionist ambitions of the great powers.

Against this backdrop of oppression and loss, the echo of the Albanian resistance of April 1939 would echo in the decades to come, reminding future generations of the price of freedom and the importance of tenacity and national unity in defending one's rights and identity against all forms of external domination.

Despite the deep scars left by the invasion and years of occupation, surprisingly, the friendship between Albania and Italy managed to endure and flourish, overcoming the adversities and storms brought by history. In the decades following the end of the conflict, the two countries embarked on a path of reconciliation and close cooperation, weaving together bonds of mutual understanding and collaboration that marked the beginning of a new era in their bilateral relations.

This transformation of Italo-Albanian relations, from a painful legacy of domination and conflict to a bond characterised by friendship and cooperation, eloquently testifies to the extraordinary ability of peoples to look beyond the tragedies of the past. The two countries have shown that it is possible to build a shared future based on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, valuing their historical cultural and human connections as the foundation for a constructive and fruitful dialogue.

The resilience shown by Albanians and Italians in overcoming the dark moments of their common past is a powerful example of how the willingness to understand, forgive and cooperate can open new paths for international relations based on peace, equality and mutual respect. The story of the benevolent relations established between Italians and Albanians, so complex and intricate, thus becomes a message of hope and a model for other nations facing similar challenges, underlining the importance of dialogue and empathy in overcoming divisions and building bridges towards a more harmonious and united future.

From this perspective, the renewed friendship between Albania and Italy is not only a positive chapter in their national histories, but also a valuable lesson on the human capacity for regeneration and the power of friendship and cooperation in overcoming conflicts and building a better tomorrow together.

The renowned date of 7 April stands as a day of reflection, a solemn occasion to meditate on the lessons transcribed from the pages of the past and to strengthen our commitment to building a more cohesive and peaceful world. This symbolic date invites us to deeply consider how ambitions of power, if allowed to fester, can easily eclipse the fundamental principles of humanity and solidarity that should guide our societies.

Remembering that particular date means not only commemorating a historical event of deep sadness and loss, but also drawing vital lessons for the present and the future. It is a reminder not to forget the mistakes and tragedies that have marked our collective journey, so that they are never repeated. At the same time, it is an invitation to constantly renew our commitment to a shared existence that places mutual respect, fairness and harmony at its centre.

In this context, the anniversary of the event that occurred on that date becomes a beacon of hope, illuminating the way to a future where nations and peoples can work together for the collective well-being, overcoming divisions and antagonisms. It is a reminder of the responsibility of every individual and every community to actively contribute to the creation of a global environment where aspirations of power are balanced by an unwavering commitment to justice, peace and human solidarity.

The memory of that day spurs us to work together to build a world where differences can be celebrated as an asset and not used as an excuse for conflict, where international cooperation is the norm and not the exception, and where every person can live in security, dignity and peace. Such a world, based on the values of humanity and solidarity, is not only possible but essential for the progress and survival of our global civilisation.