How did Italy gain control of Libya in 1911?

Italy gained control of Libya by launching the Italo-Turkish War in 1911. Driven by nationalist-expansionist ambitions and a desire to establish a North African colony, Italy took advantage of international uncertainty following the 1911 Moroccan crisis to challenge Ottoman rule in the provinces of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica.1

After issuing an ultimatum to Turkey on September 28, 1911, Italy declared war the following day. While Italian forces quickly occupied coastal towns like Tripoli, Benghazi, and Derna, they faced unexpected resistance from the local population, which forced them to limit their operations to the coast. The conflict reached a stalemate until a successful Italian offensive in late 1912, combined with the threat of the Balkan states against Turkey, compelled the Ottoman government to seek peace.12

Under the Treaty of Lausanne (also known as the Treaty of Ouchy) signed on October 18, 1912, Turkey formally conceded its rights over Tripolitania and Cyrenaica to Italy.1