Malta 1920 – 1940
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Malta had been under British rule since 1800. Seen only as a strategic naval base, the British had kept the government of the Islands solely to themselves. But a strong wind of Nationalism was rising and the Maltese wanted a say in the government of their land.
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With the start of World War I Malta was not directly involved as all fighting occurred in the European mainland. But Malta served as ‘Nurse of the Mediterranean’ for injured soldiers. The Maltese agreed to help the British in exchange for a new constitution that would give them some power in the governing of the country.
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But after World War I ended the British did not keep up the end of the bargain. There was famine in the country and to make matters worse there was a rise in the price of bread – the common food of the people. This led to the first ever revolt of the Maltese against the British.
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On the 7th June 1919 the Maltese went to protest in Valletta. Caught by surprise the British soldiers fired on the protestors. Four were killed on the spot and another man died a day after in hospital.
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The British could not afford protests on a strategic naval base like Malta, so finally they agreed to a new Constitution. In 1921 Malta got the first Self Government Constitution. It wasn’t much but it was a first step towards Independence.
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Due to an increase in Italian Fascism the Constitution was withdrawn in 1933 and Malta was reversed to Crown Colony as before – where only the British had a say in Parliament.
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In 1939 World War II broke out in Europe. This time Malta was involved directly as the British, enemies of the Germans, had many ships and armaments here. On the 11th June 1940 in fact the Italians threw the first bombs on the island, throwing Malta into a period of war, devastation, famine and suffering.
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Published: Jan 2, 2020
Latest Revision: May 16, 2020
Ourboox Unique Identifier: OB-707035
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