British Victory at Keren Expels Italians

The Battle of Keren marked a pivotal moment in the control of Eritrea, as British forces successfully expelled Italian troops, leading to the establishment of British administration in the region. This transition was not merely a change in governance; it initiated a comprehensive restructuring of the Eritrean economy. Under British rule, the economy experienced a transformation that was largely influenced by the demands of World War II. The British and American military efforts relied heavily on Italian equipment and skilled labor, which were crucial for wartime operations and support for Allied forces in the Middle East. This reliance created an economic boom in Eritrea, as local resources and labor were mobilized to meet the needs of the war effort. The decade of British administration saw significant changes in various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and infrastructure. The British implemented policies aimed at modernizing the economy, which included the introduction of new agricultural techniques and the expansion of trade networks. The focus on developing infrastructure, such as roads and ports, facilitated better access to markets and improved the overall economic landscape of Eritrea. This period laid the groundwork for future economic developments in the region, as the changes initiated during British rule had lasting impacts on Eritrea's economic structure and its integration into the global economy.