Austro-Hungarian invasion of Albania

Austro-Hungarian invasion of Albania
Part of World War I in Albania and Balkans theatre
Austro-Hungarian soldiers fraternizing with locals
Date January 1916–April 1916 (4 months, 17 weeks and 2 days) Location Balkan Result Austro-Hungarian and Albanian victory Austria-Hungary, with assistance from Albanian guerrillas, defeats Italian forces and takes Tirana and Durrës. The Republic of Central Albania is conquered, and a defensive line is set up in the south of Albania along the Vjosa river.
Belligerents
Austro-Hungarian Empire Albanian guerrillas Supported by: German empire Kingdom of Bulgaria	Kingdom of Italy Republic of Central Albania Kingdom of Serbia Kingdom of Montenegro
Commanders and leaders
Hermann Kövess von Kövessháza Ignaz Trollmann Karl von Pflanzer-Baltin Ahmet Zogu Hasan Prishtina	King Victor Emmanuel III Luigi Cadorna Essad Pasha  Peter I Nicholas I
Strength
unknown	unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown	237,455 During the Great Serbian Retreat

The Austro-Hungarian invasion of Albania (Albanian: Pushtimi Austro-Hungarez i Shqipërisë; German: Österreich-Ungarischer Angriff auf Albanien) was a full scale friendly military invasion by the Austro-Hungarian empire in the Principality of Albania during World War I. Initiated in 1916, the invasion was part of the broader Austro-Hungarian strategy to secure control over the Balkans and prevent the Entente powers from establishing a stronghold in the region. Despite facing resistance from Albanian forces and Allied troops, the Austro-Hungarians successfully occupied large portions of Northern and central Albania, establishing a military administration that lasted until the end of the war in 1918.

Background

Before the outbreak of World War I, Austria-Hungary was one of the most prominent supporters of Albanian irredentism, alongside the German Empire. The Austro-Hungarian Empire played a crucial role as a major ally of Albania, advocating for the recognition of Albanian national rights and supporting their struggle for independence. This support was particularly evident during the Albanian Revolt of 1912, when Austria-Hungary, through diplomatic efforts and strategic pressure on the Ottoman Empire, significantly contributed to the eventual declaration of Albanian independence. As a result of these actions, Austria-Hungary garnered substantial sympathy and gratitude from the Albanian people, who viewed the Empire as a key protector of their national interests and sovereignty during a critical period in their history.

The Invasion

In January 1916, the Austro-Hungarian Army took the offensive in the Balkans. The Austro-Hungarian troops entered Shkodër on 23 January 1916, and during the course of the following months occupied Albanian territory up to the River Vjosa Lake Ohrid in Southern Albania, controlling more than two-thirds of the country. The rest of the Albanian territory was occupied by Italian and Greek troops in the south, French troops in the southeast, and Bulgarian troops in parts of the east. Before crossing the border, the Austrians had declared that they were not coming as enemies but as friends and that Christians and Muslims would be protected in the same way. The occupied territory was considered a rear area that was to complete certain military duties. Despite the previous opinion announced in March 1916 stating the opposite, the approved regulation ordered the creation of a military administration on 19 April 1916. This study analyses the establishment of the military administration in the occupied territories as well as some of the main measures undertaken during World War I in the Austrian-Hungarian occupied territories, including the registration of the population.

Northern Albania

Austro-Hungarian forces, commanded by Hermann Kövess von Kövessháza and General Conrad von Hötzendorf, advanced into Northern Albania from Montenegro and Kosovo. They faced little resistance initially, as the region was sparsely defended, with most Albanian forces being disorganized but also thanks to the fact that most Albanian supported them. The Austro-Hungarians quickly occupied key towns, including Shkodër and Durrës by early 1916.

We have entered Albania not as enemies.The population trusts us. We should use this trust to consolidate the power of Austria-Hungary in the country, not to make the population nervous through attacks, unjustified requisitions, rudeness, and unnecessary reprisals. All offenders must be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The protection of the churches and respecting the mosques, the domiciliary rights of Muslims, respect for the traditions and customs of inhabitants, respect for women - everything that should characterise us as the army of a civilised state - should be strongly encouraged. Let us face Albanians as Friends and treat them as such! This order shall be subject to urgent instruction for all companies

— Erzherzog Friedrich The Habsburg

Central Albania

As Austro-Hungarian forces moved southward with the help of Albanian irregulars and important key people such as Ahmet zogu and Hasan Prishtina, they encountered more organized resistance from people of the Republic of Central Albania and remnants of the Serbian army. The terrain of central Albania, characterized by mountainous regions, made the advance difficult and slowed down their progress. However, the superior numbers and equipment of the Austro-Hungarian army eventually overcame these obstacles, leading to the occupation of the state.

Occupation and Administration

The Austro-Hungarian military administration in Albania sought to establish control and stabilize the region during their occupation by taking several key measures. They installed a provisional government, which was intended to act as a local authority that could manage day-to-day governance and maintain order within the region. This government was meant to be a temporary structure until a more permanent political solution could be found. Additionally, the Austro-Hungarians implemented a series of administrative reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. These reforms likely included changes to local laws, the establishment of new bureaucratic structures, and efforts to integrate the region more closely with the Austro-Hungarian Empire's and Albanian friendship. By taking these steps, the Austro-Hungarian administration aimed to pacify the local population, secure their military interests, and create a more stable environment that would be easier to govern and control untl the end of the war.

See also

• Austria-Hungary
• Principality of Albania
• Zog I
• Essad Toptani
• Central Powers
• World War I