The New Kingdom of Libya and Its Position in World Affairs, 1951-1956

Libya, which in the past was influenced by many great civilizations, was part of the great Arab Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates. Later, during the 16th century, it formed part of the domains of the Ottoman Empire. Following the Tripolitanian War (1911-1912) between the Ottoman Empire and Italy, it became an Italian colony in 1912. During World War II Libya was overrun several times by the armies of both Western Allies and the Axis Powers and following a period of British administration, Libya became independent in 1951 with the assistance of the United Nations.