Albania

From Turtledove

The Republic of Albania is a small parliamentary democracy in southeastern Europe. It is less than 45 miles from Italy, across the Strait of Otranto which links the Adriatic Sea to the Ionian Sea.

Albania has historically been dominated by several empires, including the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and finally the Ottoman Empire, before officially gaining independence in 1912. However, it was once again dominated by a foreign power, Italy, in 1939. As World War II progressed, Germany also occupied Albania, until they were driven out by primarily communist partisans.

For the early part of the Cold War, Albania was a close ally of the Soviet Union, until a schism turned Albania to the People's Republica of China. By 1978, Albania had turned away from China.

With the end of the Cold War, Albania saw a period of unrest until stable democratic reforms took hold in the early 21st century.

[edit] Albania in The Gladiator

Albania had a long history of communism, and was viewed as a stalwart in the war against fascism and capitalism. Albania's neighbor, the Italian People's Republic, even named a school in Milan for Enver Hoxha, the leader of the People's Republic of Albania for nearly 50 years.

Nonetheless, Italy looked down its collective nose on its less sophisticated neighbors, although not publically, as Albanians were quick to be insulted and generally liked to carry knives.

Albania was a red-headed stepchild as far as the USSR was concerned. After Joseph Stalin's death, the USSR briefly turned its back on his legacy. Hoxha, a staunch Stalinist, turned his back on the USSR, and aligned himself with the People's Republic of China. After Hoxha's death, the USSR re-embraced Stalin. However, the relationship had been permanently damaged. For decades, the USSR provided no financial aid to Albania. While the two countries were officially allies by 2097, Albania suffered internal strife as pro-Chinese guerillas fought against the government. Various countries, including Italy, had troops in Albania to help keep the guerrillas down, with limited success.

[edit] Albania in In the Presence of Mine Enemies

Albania was annexed to the Italian Empire during World War II.

[edit] Albanian in Worldwar

Albania was annexed to the Greater German Reich during World War II.