The Italian Empire refers to the colonial territories controlled by Italy from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. It included regions in Africa, such as Eritrea, Somalia, and Libya, as well as territories in the Mediterranean, like Dodecanese Islands. The empire was established during a period of European imperialism, driven by economic interests and national pride. Italy's imperial ambitions peaked during the reign of Benito Mussolini in the 1930s, when the regime sought to expand its influence and territory. However, the empire began to decline after World War II, leading to the loss of most colonies and the eventual dissolution of the empire by the 1960s.