Booklet 2 Flashcards
When did the British take Malta and why?
The British took Malta in 1800 after the Maltese revolt against the French. Malta was strategically important for the British Empire, especially for controlling the Mediterranean.
Who was Sir Alexander Ball?
Sir Alexander Ball was the civil commissioner of Malta during the Napoleonic Wars, overseeing non-military activities and maintaining peace while ensuring Malta’s security.
What was Thomas Maitland’s role in Malta?
Thomas Maitland was the first official governor of Malta, and he held total and absolute power over the island.
Where did British Services personnel live in Malta?
British Services personnel resided in military barracks across the island, including in areas like Mtarfa, Beltissebh, and Pembroke.
What was the economic impact of British rule on Malta?
Malta developed a “fortress economy” relying on British military spending, with many Maltese employed in various services supporting the British military presence.
How did Malta’s military role shape its development?
Malta’s role as a British fortress colony led to the construction of new fortifications and increased British military presence, with Malta’s economy relying on British military spending.
What positive reforms did Thomas Maitland implement in Malta?
Maitland removed the corrupt “Universita dei Grani” and overhauled Malta’s justice system, making it more efficient and reducing corruption.
What was the outcome of the 1835 Constitution for Malta?
The 1835 Constitution created a non-elective council to advise the Governor, but it lacked legislative power, disappointing Maltese politicians.
What was the Austin-Lewis Commission of 1836?
The commission recommended freedom of the press, educational reforms, employing Maltese in high offices, and highlighted the inadequacy of local schools.
What key changes occurred after the Austin-Lewis Commission’s recommendations?
Freedom of the press was granted in 1839, and new schools were built. Maltese newspapers and pamphlets were published, giving local politicians a platform for criticism.
Why did British officials oppose elected institutions in Malta?
The commission concluded that elected institutions were not in Britain’s interests, as they feared a shift in power and local control.
What reforms did Governor O’Ferrall implement in Malta?
Governor O’Ferrall reformed trade, quarantine restrictions, and public works, and established a meritocracy for the civil service.
What was the Cardwell Principle of the 1860s?
The Cardwell Principle gave more power to Maltese elected members on financial matters, though the British still retained control over key decisions.
How did the first election under the 1849
Constitution turn out for Sciberras and Mitrovich?
How In the first election, Sciberras and Mitrovich performed poorly, receiving only about 60 votes together.
What did the 1878 Royal Commission of Inquiry report on education and language in Malta?
The report criticized the overuse of Italian in schools, the poor quality of schools, and the lack of teacher training, recommending improvements and the establishment of a teacher training college.
What were the main goals of the Partito Anti-Riformista (Anti-Reform Party)?
Led by Fortunato Mizzi, the Anti-Reform Party, later renamed the Partito Nazionale (PN), was pro-Italian, opposed Anglicisation, and advocated for self-government for Malta.
What was the Language Question in Malta?
The Language Question referred to the debate between the use of Italian and English in Malta, with tensions between those supporting Italian as the cultural and national language and those advocating for English.
How were elections structured under the 1887 Constitution?
Elections were held every 3 years. 14 members were elected, with 10 elected through a general election (9 from Malta, 1 from Gozo) and 4 through a special election (a noble, priest, merchant, and graduate).
What led to the removal of the 1887 Constitution in 1903?
Growing tensions between pro-Italian and pro-English factions, along with increasing European tensions leading to World War I, resulted in the British replacing the 1887 Constitution with one similar to the 1849 constitution, where the British held an official majority.
When did Malta regain self-government after World War II?
Malta regained self-government in 1947 with the introduction of universal suffrage, allowing all Maltese citizens over the age of 21, including women, to vote.
What sparked the Sette Giugno Riots in 1919?
The riots were triggered by post-World War I economic hardships, such as high food prices, widespread unemployment, and dissatisfaction with the British administration.
What role did Malta play during World War I?
Malta was a key medical hub, treating tens of thousands of soldiers and earning the nickname
“Nurse of the Mediterranean.” It also hosted the Imperial General Workers Union (IGWU), which formed to defend workers’ rights.
Who were the four Maltese protesters killed during the Sette Giugno Riots?
Wenzu Dyer, Giuseppe Bajada, Manuel Attard, and Carmelo Abela.
When did the Language Question in Malta end, and why?
The Language Question ended in 1940 when Italy declared war on Britain and started bombing Malta, making the issue of language obsolete as English became firmly established.
What was the “pari-passu” system in relation to language in Malta?
The “pari-passu” system was an approach where English was introduced as a language to be taught on an equal basis with Italian in schools, but it faced strong resistance from pro-Italian factions.
