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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Historical Analysis of Infrastructural Development in Italian-Eritrea: 1885-1941. Part One
Author:Tseggai, Araia
Year:1986
Periodical:Journal of Eritrean Studies
Volume:1
Issue:1
Period:Summer
Pages:19-33
Language:English
Geographic terms:Eritrea
Italy
Subjects:colonialism
transport
History and Exploration
Development and Technology
Economics and Trade
Abstract:By colonizing Eritrea, Italy set out to settle its 'surplus' population permanently in the region, to acquire a cheap source of raw materials as well as an expanded market for its finished products, and to use Eritrea as a springboard for further colonization of adjacent lands. In order to fulfill these objectives, extensive infrastructural and industrial growth had to take place. The author describes in turn the transportation system (railways, roads, port facilities), educational programmes, agricultural programmes and projects, urban development programmes and services, and energy and power production facilities. Italian colonial policy in Eritrea necessitated heavy government intervention in the Eritrean economy, especially during the early years of colonialism. Not only were large subsidies granted to private Italian settlers opening up a variety of business enterprises and agricultural estates, but the colonial government also allocated large sums of money for development projects necessary for the effective colonization of Eritrea. Most of the Italian government's economic projects in Eritrea were undertaken before the invasion of Ethiopia. After 1936, much of Italy's colonial expenditure was directed towards stabilizing Ethiopian occupation at the expense of slowing down public services in both Eritrea and Somalia. Ref.
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