A nation seeking emancipation : the Maltese : their struggles and achievements up to 1964

Abstract

It is, arguably, only natural that human beings would prefer to take control of their own lives, their future and all that this implies. One definition describes “emancipation” thus: ‘to free from restraint, control, or the power of another’. The Maltese as a nation had begun to think seriously about forms of emancipation, self–determination and a sense of freedom, autonomy and control over their affairs, already before the British entered their lives in 1800. Indeed, a few (a trickle would be more realistic) enlightened Maltese, embodied in the iconic Mikiel Anton Vassalli (1764–1829), were, by the late eighteenth century, expressing their dream of seeing improvements in the life of their compatriots. Recognition of a national language, achieving a respectable social status, having a say in their own destiny, were all yearnings that could change their future. Alas, the Knights and then the British, did not share the same views. The latter certainly did not wish to have a colony that knew what it wanted, locals who could in some way compare themselves to their masters, a politically motivated class that spelt trouble any time the colonisers introduced and enforced their orders. The people had to be kept under control, restrained and loyal. After all they were subjects, or more aptly, vassals, of the British Crown. They were there to serve and not to be served. That was the colonial mentality, the basis of the British Empire, and Malta was no exception in this order of things.