Italian Eritrea: A Colonial Legacy Liberals Love to Ignore

Picture this: It's the late 19th century, and Italy, in its quest for imperial glory, sets its sights on the Horn of Africa. The year is 1890, and the place is Eritrea, a small but strategically significant region on the Red Sea. Italy, eager to join the ranks of European colonial powers, establishes Italian Eritrea, a colony that would last until 1941. This colonial endeavor was not just about expanding territory; it was about asserting dominance, exploiting resources, and spreading Italian culture. Yet, in today's politically correct world, the legacy of Italian Eritrea is often brushed under the rug, especially by those who claim to champion historical justice.

Italian Eritrea was more than just a footnote in history; it was a full-blown colonial project. The Italians built infrastructure, introduced new agricultural techniques, and even attempted to create a "Little Italy" in Africa. They constructed roads, railways, and ports, all designed to benefit the Italian economy. The city of Asmara, now the capital of Eritrea, became a showcase of Italian architecture, earning it the nickname "La Piccola Roma" or "Little Rome." But let's not kid ourselves; these developments were not acts of benevolence. They were strategic moves to cement Italian control and extract as much wealth as possible from the region.

The Italian colonial administration imposed strict racial hierarchies, with Italians at the top and Eritreans at the bottom. Eritreans were subjected to forced labor, land confiscation, and cultural assimilation policies. The Italians even went so far as to implement racial laws that prohibited interracial relationships and marriages. This was colonialism at its finest, yet it's a chapter of history that many would rather forget. The narrative of Italian Eritrea is often sanitized, focusing on the architectural beauty of Asmara rather than the oppressive regime that built it.

Fast forward to today, and the legacy of Italian Eritrea is still felt in the region. The infrastructure left behind by the Italians is still in use, and the cultural impact is undeniable. However, the scars of colonialism run deep. Eritrea's struggle for independence from Ethiopia, which lasted from 1961 to 1991, was partly fueled by the divisions and inequalities sown during the Italian colonial period. The Eritrean people fought long and hard to reclaim their land and identity, a struggle that is often overshadowed by more "popular" liberation movements.

It's fascinating how some people choose to ignore the complexities of history. They prefer to focus on the romanticized aspects of colonialism, like the beautiful buildings and the introduction of pasta to Eritrean cuisine, rather than the brutal realities. This selective memory serves a purpose: it allows them to maintain a narrative that fits their worldview. But history is not a buffet where you can pick and choose what to remember. The legacy of Italian Eritrea is a testament to the destructive power of colonialism, a lesson that should not be forgotten.

The story of Italian Eritrea is a reminder that colonialism was not just a British or French endeavor. It was a European project, and Italy was very much a part of it. The impact of this colonial past is still evident in Eritrea today, from its infrastructure to its ongoing political struggles. Yet, this is a narrative that is often ignored or downplayed, especially by those who claim to be the most "woke." It's time to face the uncomfortable truths of history, even if it means challenging the narratives we've been fed.

So, the next time someone waxes poetic about the beauty of Asmara or the culinary fusion of Italian and Eritrean cuisine, remember the real story behind it. Italian Eritrea was not a cultural exchange; it was a colonial conquest. And while some may choose to ignore this inconvenient truth, it's a chapter of history that deserves to be told in its entirety.