Aspects of social life in Valletta 1813-1854

Abstract

Social Life in Valletta is a theme that makes us investigate history which focuses on the people in their natural, common and daily life. While Valletta was the seat of administration and the capital city of Malta it was also the point where communications, urban-rural relations, and all sorts of business activities unfolded. Various historians have studied the period from 1813-1854, from the lens of politics, colonial domination and the strategic development. Yet the social aspect, together with the commercial aspect, calls for greater attention. The period chosen falls between two important dates in Malta's socio economic history 1811, marks the end of the activity generated by the Continental Blockade and the outbreak of the plague which led to a great economic depression that did not start to thaw before the late 1820's with the Greek war of Independence, the Mehmet Ali crises and the eventual formulation of Britain's Mediterranean policy. On the other hand the climax of this policy was reached in 1854, with the outbreak of the Crimean War which gave the Maltese economy a great boost due to the arrival of ships and men on their way to the Crimea.