Enver Hoxha's Leadership of Albania

Enver Hoxha's early leadership of Albania led the country to greater economic success than that achieved by many of his contemporaries in other eastern European nations. A Marxist-Leninist, he served as leader of Albania from after WW II until his death in 1985.

Early influences and political philosophy

At the age of 16, Hoxha helped organize protests against the monarchy of Albania, which was part of the Ottoman Empire at the time. In college, he was influenced by the French Communist Party. The Albanian Communist Party was founded in 1941 and two years later Hoxha was elected as the First Secretary. After the war, Hoxha declared himself as a Marxist-Leninist and a firm supporter of Stalin's policies. In 1945 he became the official leader of Albania.

Leadership of albania

Hoxha made many improvements in Albania during this first years. Prior to that time, the illiteracy rate in rural areas was as high as 90%. His administration reduced it to 30% by 1950. Hoxha also banned the traditional, Medieval blood feuds. Historically, Albania had experienced more malaria infections than anywhere else in Europe. Through the use of pesticides and draining of swamp land, malaria was virtually eliminated. Hoxha successfully repelled British-backed attempts to reestablish the Albanian monarchy between 1950 and 1952. Admitted to Comecon, the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, Hoxha allied himself closely with the Soviet Union and acted as a communist power on the Adriatic Sea.

During his early years, Hoxha was able to increase Albania's literacy rate, eliminate malaria and promote industrial growth. While his rule changed in later years, Hoxha's post-WW II rule made Albania a much more stable country than many other eastern European nations.