Italy doesn't take Libya

Nicole · Jul 14, 2005

What if, in 1911, Italy decided not to seize the provinces of Cyrenacia and Tripolitania from the Ottoman Empire, which later became the Italian Colony and later independent state of Libya?
Would the Balkan Wars still happen if the Empire had not just suffered defeat in those two provinces? What about effects on World War One, if it happens?

Abdul Hadi Pasha · Jul 14, 2005

Imajin said:
What if, in 1911, Italy decided not to seize the provinces of Cyrenacia and Tripolitania from the Ottoman Empire, which later became the Italian Colony and later independent state of Libya?
Would the Balkan Wars still happen if the Empire had not just suffered defeat in those two provinces? What about effects on World War One, if it happens?

Hard to say - I suspect the Balkan Wars would still happen, but the Ottomans would have a better chance of winning.

Wendell · Jul 14, 2005

Actually, could the war have expanded with Libya up for grabs?

Aussey · Jul 14, 2005

Wendell said:
Actually, could the war have expanded with Libya up for grabs?

If Austria could have held the Two Siciles, an Austrian Libya would make wars more interesting.

Wendell · Jul 14, 2005

Aussey said:
If Austria could have held the Two Siciles, an Austrian Libya would make wars more interesting.

True, particularly with the advent of Oil. How might an alternative power administer Cyrenaica and Tripolitania? Would the British or Fench end up with Fezzan?

Neroon · Jul 15, 2005

Aussey said:
If Austria could have held the Two Siciles, an Austrian Libya would make wars more interesting.

I'd also mean that AH would probably start WW1 with a bigger fleet given the need to protect their colony.

Aussey · Jul 15, 2005

Possibly keeping the empire intact post WW1 (with MAJOR reforms) if they join their British and French allies in Europe...assuming WW1 starts differently, or Britain and/or France promise to backup Austro-Hungarian demands

Tetsu · Jul 15, 2005

Wendell said:
True, particularly with the advent of Oil.

Is there oil in Libya?

Melvin Loh · Jul 15, 2005

Well, the Italians in 1940-41 wouldn't have suffered such major reverses at the hands of British Empire forces in the Western Desert under Gen O'Connor...