Albania used to be known as Illyria and was conquered by Romans, Slavs, and Turks at different times in its history. The Turks introduced Islam to Albania. Albania became independent in 1912. The Republic was established in 1920. King Zog I controlled Albania from 1925 - 1939. His reign was interrupted when Italy invaded during World War II. Communist supporters gained control of Albania in 1944 and became allies with the USSR. However, in 1960 the countries split because of de- Stalinization. Albania then developed ties with the People's Republic of China. China provided several billion dollars in aid to help Albania's political progress. In 1974 this aid was reduced and finally stopped in 1978 because of Albania's criticism of China's policies after Mao Zedong's death. Many officials were removed during the 1970s. The country's ruler for the past 4 decades, Enver Hoxha, died April. 11, 1985. @
