Malta under Self Government, 1921-1933 : an evaluation of how the Maltese used Self Government during the Inter War period

Abstract

This dissertation deals with an evaluation of how the Maltese used Self Government during the Inter-War Period. As such it takes into account the years from 1921 to 1933. Circumstances made this period the real test after the gestation period in which a number of Constitutions had proved unsatisfactory. A rather audacious experiment on the part of the British, whereas for the Maltese it was to be the coming face to face with the moment of truth. Hopefully, the following discussion will allow the readers to witness the ups and downs that the heavily polarised Maltese dealt with the challenges that lay in their path. Carefully evaluating what was expected of them, what was actually done and what was left undone and why is the purpose of this work. The hope of the writer is not to give a pedantic chronological account of those crucial years, but with the use of hindsight to try to delve into the burning questions that beset the people in the course of a fledgling Constitutional process which was not without its sour clashes.