Enver Hoxha

Enver Hoxha

Enver Hoxha (16 October 1908 – 11 April 1985) was an Albanian communist politician who served as the head of state of Albania from 1944 until his death in 1985. He was the First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania, the country's ruling party, and held the title of Prime Minister from 1944 to 1954. Hoxha's leadership was marked by his establishment of a Stalinist regime, characterized by strict state control, isolationism, and the suppression of dissent.

Early Life and Education

Enver Hoxha was born in Gjirokastër, a city in southern Albania, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. He was the son of Halil Hoxha, a Muslim cleric, and Gjylihan Hoxha. Hoxha attended the French-language Lycée National in Korçë and later studied at the University of Montpellier in France, although he did not complete his degree.

Political Career

Hoxha became involved in communist activities during his time in France and later in Belgium. Upon returning to Albania, he joined the newly formed Communist Party of Albania in 1941. During World War II, Hoxha emerged as a leader of the Albanian resistance against Axis occupation, and by the end of the war, he had established himself as the head of the provisional government.

Establishment of Communist Rule

In 1946, the People's Republic of Albania was proclaimed, with Hoxha as its leader. He implemented a series of radical reforms, including the nationalization of industry, collectivization of agriculture, and the establishment of a one-party state. Hoxha's regime was heavily influenced by Joseph Stalin, and he maintained close ties with the Soviet Union until the de-Stalinization policies of Nikita Khrushchev led to a break in relations in 1961.

Isolation and Autarky

After the split with the Soviet Union, Hoxha aligned Albania with the People's Republic of China under Mao Zedong. However, this alliance also ended in the late 1970s, leading to Albania's isolation from both the Eastern and Western blocs. Hoxha pursued a policy of autarky, aiming for economic self-sufficiency and political independence.

Domestic Policies

Hoxha's domestic policies were characterized by strict control over all aspects of life. The regime suppressed religious institutions, declaring Albania the first atheist state in the world in 1967. Political dissent was not tolerated, and thousands of people were imprisoned or executed for opposing the government.

Legacy

Enver Hoxha's rule left a lasting impact on Albania. His policies of isolation and repression stunted economic development and left the country impoverished and isolated. After his death in 1985, Albania began a slow transition away from Hoxha's policies, culminating in the fall of communism in 1991.

See Also

• History of Albania
• Communism in Albania
• Cold War

References

• Hoxha, Enver. The Art of War. Tirana: 8 Nëntori Publishing House, 1979.
• Vickers, Miranda. The Albanians: A Modern History. London: I.B. Tauris, 1999.