The Economic and Social Impacts of the Italian War of Extermination in Libya (1922-1943)

Abstract

The Fascist rule in Libya (1922–1943) constituted one of the harshest and most complex periods in the country's modern history. During this era, the Italian authorities pursued systematic, repressive colonial policies that, in their substance and consequences, amounted to a war of extermination. This campaign targeted the very existence of the Libyan people, their livelihoods, and their economic and social resources. These policies were not confined to direct military confrontation; rather, they extended to encompass various facets of life—including economic, social, and cultural structures—thereby triggering profound transformations that left long-term effects on Libyan society.

From an economic perspective, colonial measures severely weakened core productive sectors—foremost among them agriculture and livestock—through policies of confiscation, destruction, and redistribution in favor of Italian settlement. Furthermore, economic activity was redirected to serve the interests of the colonizer at the expense of the local population's needs. Commercial activity and traditional industries were also significantly impacted, leading to a stark imbalance in the overall economic equilibrium, which manifested in declining living standards and widespread poverty and deprivation.

On the social front, the war of extermination left behind tragic humanitarian conditions characterized by the spread of diseases and epidemics, rampant poverty, and famine. Additionally, the social fabric was dismantled as a result of repressive policies, forced displacement, and the internment of the population in concentration camps. The education sector and cultural institutions were equally devastated amid attempts at cultural erasure and the imposition of educational models tailored to colonial objectives. These upheavals were inextricably linked to demographic shifts, as Libya witnessed a sharp decline in its population due to direct killings, displacement, and the brutal conditions of internment.