In search of enlightenment : Maltese working-class perceptions of emancipation through education

Abstract

The article presents the social crisis in Malta during the British occupation between 1850 - 1939. As a result of that, new movements emphasising the education among working class are about to spread the notion of enlightement. One of the firsts was organisation founded by Manwel Dimech, Xirca tal Imdawlin. Facing various threads from local authorities, his followers 'Dimechenians' were even elected to govern along with a pro-Pritish constitutional party to industrialize the country. Even though their programme of radical reforms was opposed by stronger voices, together with other working-class intellectuals took over the role of the only social force capable of carrying out a historical transformation of the country.