When Mussolini took power in Italy he turned with renewed interest to Albania. Italy began penetration of Albania's economy in 1925, when Albania agreed to allow it to exploit its mineral resources. That was followed by the First Treaty of Tirana in 1926 and the Second Treaty of Tirana in 1927, whereby Italy and Albania entered into a defensive alliance. The Albanian government and economy were subsidised by Italian loans, the Albanian army was trained by Italian military instructors, and Italian colonial settlement was encouraged. Despite strong Italian influence, Zog refused to completely give in to Italian pressure.Fischer, B. J: Albania at War, 1939–1945, page 7. Hurst, 1999 In 1931 he openly stood up to the Italians, refusing to renew the 1926 Treaty of Tirana. After Albania signed trade agreements with Yugoslavia and Greece in 1934, Mussolini made a failed attempt to intimidate the Albanians by sending a fleet of warships to Albania.
When Mussolini took power in Italy he turned with renewed interest to Albania Italy began penetration of Albania's economy in 1925 when Albania agreed to allow it to exploit its mineral resources That was followed by the First Treaty of Tirana in 1926 and the Second Treaty of Tirana in 1927 whereby Italy and Albania entered into a defensive alliance The Albanian government and economy were subsidised by Italian loans the Albanian army was trained by Italian military instructors and Italian colonial settlement was encouraged Despite strong Italian influence Zog refused to completely give in to Italian pressureFischer B J Albania at War 1939–1945 page 7 Hurst 1999 In 1931 he openly stood up to the Italians refusing to renew the 1926 Treaty of Tirana After Albania signed trade agreements with Yugoslavia and Greece in 1934 Mussolini made a failed attempt to intimidate the Albanians by sending a fleet of warships to Albania