Unit 1

Question 1

What was Malta’s political status at the beginning of the 19th century?

Answer 1

Malta was an archipelago that had recently come under British control after the capitulation of the French. It was a British protectorate until 1813 and became a British colony in perpetuity through the Congress of Vienna.

Question 2

What was the population of Malta and Gozo around 1800?

Answer 2

There were around 100,000 people living in Malta and Gozo at that time.

Question 3

What percentage of the population belonged to the elite class, and who were they?

Answer 3

Around 4% of the population consisted of an elite class, including professionals such as doctors, lawyers, nurses, landowners, and the higher clergy. They were politically involved, literate, and spoke Tuscan Italian.

Question 4

What was the literacy level among the general population?

Answer 4

The majority of the population, about 96%, were mostly illiterate. This group included farmers, fishermen, dockyard workers, laborers, and the lower clergy.

Question 5

What were the three vital elements contributed by the geography of the Maltese Islands throughout its history?

Answer 5

• Lack of natural resources
• The size of Malta’s population
• Malta’s strategic position in the Mediterranean

Question 6

Why was Malta’s lack of natural resources a significant problem for its people?

Answer 6

There was never enough water, wood, iron, or steel.
• The quantity of agricultural products was too low to sustain the islands.
• This created a sense of dependence on more powerful countries and made industrialization impossible.

Question 7

What impact did the size of Malta’s population have on its sustainability and development?

Answer 7

The size of Malta’s population impacted its sustainability and development by:
• Limiting the population growth to a sustainable level.
• Creating the need for mass emigration, especially under British rule.
• Leading to the perception that Malta was too small to be independent or autonomous.

Question 8

How did Malta’s strategic position influence its political, social, and economic life?

Answer 8

Malta’s strategic position influenced its political, social, and economic life by:
• Making it a crucial fortress colony for the British.
• Leading to significant investments in military and naval infrastructure.
• Ensuring that the British army and navy benefited more than the Maltese people.

Question 9

What were some of the investments made by the British in Malta, and who primarily benefited from them?

Answer 9

Some of the investments made by the British in Malta included:
• Building fortifications such as the Victoria Lines.
• Importing cannons and improving drainage facilities, transport, and electricity.
• These investments primarily benefited the British military rather than the Maltese people.

Question 10

What period does the image describe as significant for the development of towns in Malta?

Answer 10

The image describes the British period as significant for the development of towns in Malta.

Question 11

How did the population of Malta change from 1800 to today?

Answer 11

The population of Malta increased significantly from 1800 to today, reflecting urban development and demographic changes.

Question 12

What were some key factors that influenced town development during the British period in Malta?

Answer 12

Key factors that influenced town development during the British period in Malta included economic growth, infrastructure development, and administrative changes.

Question 13

How do the maps in the image help illustrate the changes in town development over time?

Answer 13

The maps in the image illustrate the changes in town development over time by showing the expansion and growth of urban areas at different points in history.

Question 14

What are some of the major towns in Malta that saw significant growth during the British period?

Answer 14

Some of the major towns in Malta that saw significant growth during the British period include Valletta, Sliema, and Birkirkara.

Question 15

What are some of the major towns in Malta that saw significant growth during the British period?

Answer 15

Some of the major towns in Malta that saw significant growth during the British period include Valletta, Sliema, and Birkirkara.

Question 16

What were some key developments in Malta during the British period?

Answer 16

Key developments in Malta during the British period included urbanization and significant changes in the port towns.

Question 17

How did the opening of the Suez Canal impact Malta’s strategic importance?

Answer 17

The opening of the Suez Canal increased Malta’s strategic importance as it became a crucial stopover point for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

Question 18

What changes occurred in Malta’s port towns during the British period?

Answer 18

During the British period, Malta’s port towns saw considerable urban development and population growth.

Question 19

How did the Industrial Revolution affect Malta’s economy and infrastructure?

Answer 19

The Industrial Revolution brought economic changes and infrastructural development to Malta, influencing its growth and modernization.

Question 20

What were some key developments in Malta during the British period?

Answer 20

Key developments in Malta during the British period included urbanization and significant changes in the port towns.

Question 21

What changes occurred in Malta’s port towns during the British period?

Answer 21

During the British period, Malta’s port towns saw considerable urban development and population growth.

Question 22

How did the Industrial Revolution affect Malta’s economy and infrastructure?

Answer 22

The Industrial Revolution brought economic changes and infrastructural development to Malta, influencing its growth and modernization.

Question 23

What upgrades were made to Malta’s naval facilities during the British period?

Answer 23

Upgrades to Malta’s naval facilities included larger dockyards and the latest machinery to match the development of the British navy, such as the shift from wooden sailing warships to iron-clad warships.

Question 24

Why did many Maltese people migrate towards the harbour area in the 19th century?

Answer 24

Many Maltese people migrated towards the harbour area in search of employment opportunities, particularly in the dockyard, naval bakery at Birgu, and the naval hospital at Bighi.

Question 25

How did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 affect Malta?

Answer 25

The opening of the Suez Canal increased the importance of Malta’s harbour facilities, making it a crucial stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

Question 26

How did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 affect Malta?

Answer 26

The opening of the Suez Canal increased the importance of Malta’s harbour facilities, making it a crucial stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

Question 27

What role did Malta play for ships traveling through the Mediterranean?

Answer 27

Malta served as a coal bunkering station, resupplying coal to steam-powered ships traveling through the Mediterranean, which increased the number of ships entering Maltese harbours.

Question 28

What upgrades were made to Malta’s naval facilities during the British period?

Answer 28

Upgrades to Malta’s naval facilities included larger dockyards and the latest machinery to match the development of the British navy, such as the shift from wooden sailing warships to iron-clad warships.

Question 29

What upgrades were made to Malta’s naval facilities during the British period?

Answer 29

Upgrades to Malta’s naval facilities included larger dockyards and the latest machinery to match the development of the British navy, such as the shift from wooden sailing warships to iron-clad warships.

Question 30

Why did many Maltese people migrate towards the harbour area in the 19th century?

Answer 30

Many Maltese people migrated towards the harbour area in search of employment opportunities, particularly in the dockyard, naval bakery at Birgu, and the naval hospital at Bighi.

Question 31

How did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 affect Malta?

Answer 31

The opening of the Suez Canal increased the importance of Malta’s harbour facilities, making it a crucial stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

Question 32

What role did Malta play for ships traveling through the Mediterranean?

Answer 32

Malta served as a coal bunkering station, resupplying coal to steam-powered ships traveling through the Mediterranean, which increased the number of ships entering Maltese harbours.

Question 33

What types of employment were available to the Maltese people during the British period?

Answer 33

Employment opportunities included work in the construction industry, naval facilities, administrative sector, dockyard, public works projects, civil service, importation of goods, and various skilled and unskilled jobs such as loading and unloading coal at the coal bunkering station at Marsa.

Question 34

Which suburbs developed into continuous urban areas along the north shore of Marsamxett Harbour?

Answer 34

The suburbs of Sliema, St. Julian’s, Msida, Pietà, and Gzira developed into a continuous urban area along the north shore of Marsamxett Harbour.

Question 35

How did the development of transport systems impact urban growth in Malta?

Answer 35

The development of transport systems, including the railway (starting in 1883), tram (starting in
1903), and scheduled buses (starting in 1905), linked various villages to the harbour towns and facilitated urban growth.

Question 36

What factors influenced the population growth of villages and towns in Malta?

Answer 36

Factors influencing population growth included proximity to established villages or towns with public transport, closeness to employment opportunities, and geographical location. For example, Hamun developed faster as a town than Naxar because it was closer to the harbour and had better public transport connections.

Question 37

What were some of the major health issues faced by Malta in the past?

Answer 37

Major health issues faced by Malta in the past included epidemics such as the 1676 Plague, cholera, undulant fever, tuberculosis, and smallpox.

Question 38

How did the British era contribute to the development of sanitation in Malta?

Answer 38

During the British era, the increasing population around the Harbour Area led to the development of sanitation, including the start of an underground drainage/sewage system, provision of tap water in homes, and electricity for domestic use.

Question 39

What improvements were made to Malta’s infrastructure and sanitation during the British period?

Answer 39

Improvements to Malta’s infrastructure and sanitation included the development of underground drainage systems, provision of tap water and electricity in homes, and the establishment of health facilities.

Question 40

Why did people start residing in larger towns during the British period?

Answer 40

People started residing in larger towns due to the improved infrastructure and sanitation, which made it safer and more attractive to live in these areas.

Question 41

What were the main factors contributing to urbanization in Malta during the post-war period?

Answer 41

The main factors contributing to urbanization in Malta during the post-war period included postwar reconstruction, infrastructural and economic development, and the shift from a fortress economy to a new economy in post-independent Malta.

Question 42

Which new towns and villages were created on the sides of the two main harbours in Malta?

Answer 42

On the side of Marsamxett Harbour, new towns and villages included Pietà, Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, Gzira, and Sliema. On the side of the Grand Harbour, they included Kalkara, Paola, Fgura, and Marsa. In between the two harbours, Hamrun and Gwardmangia were developed.

Question 43

How did urbanization affect the countryside in Malta by the end of the 20th century?

Answer 43

By the end of the 20th century, urbanization had greatly expanded on both sides of the harbours, consuming much of the countryside and making the distinction between villages disappear.

Question 44

What was the visual impact of urbanization on the Harbour Area by the 1990s?

Answer 44

By the 1990s, a bird’s-eye view of the Harbour Area would make it look like one large suburb, with urban sprawl blending the areas together.

Question 45

What was the visual impact of urbanization on the Harbour Area by the 1990s?

Answer 45

By the 1990s, a bird’s-eye view of the Harbour Area would make it look like one large suburb, with urban sprawl blending the areas together.

Question 46

What were the main economic activities during the Late Medieval period in Malta?

Answer 46

During the Late Medieval period, the economy and society in Malta revolved mainly around agricultural activities and the production of food for local consumption. Cotton was the main product exported.

Question 47

How did settlement patterns change during the Late Medieval period?

Answer 47

Settlement patterns during the Late Medieval period saw people living mostly in small villages and hamlets in central and southern Malta. Some hamlets disappeared or merged into larger ones, becoming “lost villages.”

Question 48

What impact did the Knights’ period have on Malta’s economy and settlement patterns?

Answer 48

During the Knights’ period, cotton production and export remained a significant aspect of the economy. Settlements were absent from areas close to the coast, especially in Northern Malta, and people preferred to reside in remoter villages or migrate to harbour towns like Valletta and the Three Cities.

Question 49

How did the British period influence urban development in Malta?

Answer 49

The British period saw the development of working-class suburbs such as Bormla, Paola, Zabbar, Floriana, and Hamun. Urban development continued with certain towns like Birkirkara, Mosta, Qormi, Attard, and San Gwann developing faster than others.

Question 50

How did the introduction of public transport affect Malta’s development?

Answer 50

The introduction of public transport had a profound effect on the development of settlements and road infrastructure, connecting villages and towns together.

Question 51

What were the international influences on Maltese culture and tourism?

Answer 51

International influences, such as British and Italian cultures, impacted Maltese lifestyle, fashion trends, and living standards. Tourism also played a role in these changes.

Question 52

How did the development of the leisure and tourist industry impact Malta’s economy?

Answer 52

The development of the leisure and tourist industry was a key target for economic diversification from the fortress economy, which was dependent on the British military and naval services.

Question 53

What social and economic effects resulted from changes in settlement patterns in Malta?

Answer 53

Changes in settlement patterns led to improvements in living standards and lifestyles, but also resulted in issues like pollution, noise, and traffic congestion in heavily urbanized areas.

Question 54

How did the population of Malta change from 1530 to 1800?

Answer 54

population of Malta increased from around 20,000 in 1530 to 100,000 in 1800.

Question 55

What factors contributed to the population increase in Malta during the 18th century?

Answer 55

Factors contributing to the population increase in Malta during the 18th century included more commerce, increased security from corsair raids, and the development of hospitals.

Question 56

How did the introduction of incentive schemes in the late 20th century affect housing in Malta?

Answer 56

The introduction of incentive schemes in the late 20th century encouraged people to buy or renovate existing buildings in village or town cores, leading to changes in housing patterns.

Question 57

What were some of the diseases that the British authorities sought to curb in Malta?

Answer 57

The British authorities sought to curb epidemics of cholera, smallpox, undulant fever, and tuberculosis.

Question 58

How did the population of Valletta change between 1800 and 1861?

Answer 58

The population of Valletta increased from 20,000 in 1800 to 25,000 in 1861.

Question 59

What economic problems did the increase in Malta’s population cause?

Answer 59

The increase in population multiplied Malta’s economic problems, as towns and villages expanded, taking land from the countryside and leading to rapid suburban growth.

Question 60

How did the population of Sliema change from 1833 to 1957?

Answer 60

Sliema’s population grew from 324 people in 1833 to 23,000 people by 1957.

Question 61

What economic problems did the increase in Malta’s population cause?

Answer 61

The increase in population multiplied Malta’s economic problems, as towns and villages expanded, taking land from the countryside and leading to rapid suburban growth.

Question 62

What period does the title “Emigration from Malta and Returnees and Immigration to Malta” refer to?

Answer 62

The period referred to is 1947-1950.

Question 63

How did World War Il affect Maltese immigration patterns?

Answer 63

World War II caused many Maltese people who had previously left to return home due to better
economic conditions.

Question 64

What significant change occurred regarding Maltese emigration patterns after World War II?

Answer 64

After World War Il, there was an increase in organized mass migration with over 5,000 starting to prepare for departure by chartering ships like the Captain Cook and Aurelia, leading to a significant migration wave until around 1966.

Question 65

What were the two main causes that impacted the Maltese population in 1530 and today?

Answer 65

The two main causes that impacted the Maltese population were diseases and epidemics, and emigration and immigration.

Question 66

What were the two main causes that impacted the Maltese population in 1530 and today?

Answer 66

The two main causes that impacted the Maltese population were diseases and epidemics, and emigration and immigration.

Question 67

What were the two main causes that impacted the Maltese population in 1530 and today?

Answer 67

The two main causes that impacted the Maltese population were diseases and epidemics, and emigration and immigration.

Question 68

Which epidemic in Malta had the highest population decrease in the 19th century?

Answer 68

The plague epidemic in 1813 had the highest population decrease, with 4,300 deaths.

Question 69

What measures were taken to combat healthcare and sanitation issues in Malta during the 19th century?

Answer 69

Measures taken to combat healthcare and sanitation issues included the creation of the Wignacourt Aqueduct in 1615 to provide fresh water for Valletta and the Fawwara.

Question 70

How did emigration and immigration affect the Maltese population in the 19th and 20th centuries?

Answer 70

Emigration led to a population decline, while the influx of workers during the periods of the Knights and the British, as well as foreign workers and irregular immigration from the early 2000s till today, led to a population increase.

Question 71

What was the main source of employment for people living in the Harbour area in the 1800s?

Answer 71

The main source of employment for people living in the Harbour area in the 1800s was the British services.

Question 72

What was the main source of employment for people living in the Harbour area in the 1800s?

Answer 72

The main source of employment for people living in the Harbour area in the 1800s was the British services.

Question 73

When did the government start extending the underground drainage and freshwater system?

Answer 73

The government started extending the underground drainage and freshwater system in the 1880s.

Question 74

Who discovered the germ that spread undulant fever, and what was the solution?

Answer 74

Temi Zammit, a Maltese doctor, discovered the germ that spread undulant fever. The solution was to pasteurize the milk, and the Malta Milk Undertaking was set up to pasteurize milk. The government also banned the sale of unpasteurized milk.

Question 75

What disease was eradicated with a public education campaign after the Second World War?

Answer 75

Trachoma, an ocular (eye) disease caused by flies and dust, was eradicated with a public education campaign after the Second World War.

Question 76

What was the main defense against imported diseases like the plague in Malta?

Answer 76

The main defense against imported diseases like the plague in Malta was quarantine. The Knights had built the Lazaretto on Manoel Island, and their regulations became stricter in 1830.

Question 77

What was the main defense against imported diseases like the plague in Malta?

Answer 77

The main defense against imported diseases like the plague in Malta was quarantine. The Knights had built the Lazaretto on Manoel Island, and their regulations became stricter in 1830.

Question 78

What was the purpose of the quarantine regulations mentioned in the text?

Answer 78

The quarantine regulations were in place to isolate ships with crew members showing cholera symptoms. These regulations remained in force until 1929 when they were abolished, and the Lazaretto was subsequently closed down.

Question 79

When was the drainage system extended to the Cottonera?

Answer 79

The drainage system was extended to the Cottonera between 1879 and 1885.

Question 80

What was the significance of the Fawwarn Aqueduct built in 1845?

Answer 80

The Fawwarn Aqueduct, built in 1845, was significant because it supplied the south of Malta with fresh water.

Question 81

Which hospital became the General Headquarters of the Malta Police Force in 1953?

Answer 81

The Central Hospital became the General Headquarters of the Malta Police Force in 1953 after its patients were transferred to St. Luke’s Hospital.

Question 82

What was Villa Bighi in Kalkara turned into in 1832?

Answer 82

Villa Bighi in Kalkara was enlarged and turned into a naval hospital by the Admiralty in 1832.

Question 83

When was the Mtarfa General Hospital built, and what was its purpose?

Answer 83

The Mtarfa General Hospital was built by the British in 1910 as a military hospital. In 1920, all military and naval personnel were transferred to it from Bighi Hospital.

Question 84

What happened to the Mtarfa General Hospital when the British left Malta in 1979?

Answer 84

The Mtarfa General Hospital was closed when the British left Malta in 1979.

Question 85

What is the main general hospital in Malta today, and when was it inaugurated?

Answer 85

The main general hospital in Malta today is Mater Dei Hospital, which was inaugurated in 2007.

Question 86

What improvements led to increased life expectancy and better public health in Malta?

Answer 86

Improvements such as better sanitation, the extension of the water supply and underground drainage, effective cures against diseases like cholera and undulant fever, better living standards, new hospitals, and vaccines led to increased life expectancy and better public health in Malta.