Independence

During the Italo-Turkish War of 1911–12 Albania won autonomy. In 1912, when the First Balkan War ended Turkish rule in the Balkans, independence was declared. The Conference of Ambassadors of the Great Powers made Albania a principality and established its boundaries, giving it territory in the south claimed by Greece and territory in the north claimed by Serbia and Montenegro. William of Wied, a German army officer, was chosen ruler. He took the throne in March, 1914. The monarchy fell six months later, at the beginning of World War I. Albania declared itself neutral, but throughout most of the conflict was occupied by Allied armies. After the war the Albanians formed a new government and Tiranà became the capital.

Ahmed Zog, a government official, became premier in 1922 and put down all opposition by military force. In January, 1925, he had the nation declared a republic and became president. The Italians gave him financial aid and gradually assumed control over his country. Zog was permitted to make himself king in 1928, but in 1939 Italy annexed Albania.