Modern Malta
Discover Malta
The Last 200 years
Below we show the timeline that illustrates the determination of the Maltese people through different times
Different era
Malta Pre-History and Ancient Civilization
During the French occupation, slavery was abolished, the inquisition was dismantled and introduced a constitutional tradition. Although the changes were positive, the locals were seeing the French as a threat to their religion and belief.
The French began to apply sound revolutionary principles involving heavy taxes, higher interest rates and an attack on the Roman Catholic Church, relief turned to resentment. An uprising in September 1799 confined the French garrison of some 4,000 men under General Vaubois to Valletta and the other fortified towns. In December 1799 the british joined the Maltese and helped to apply pressure on the weak Fench garrison, until the garrison surrendered on 5th September 1800.
Malta was not involved in fighting during WWI but was strategically positioned to serve other purposes. Malta had 27 makeshift hospitals during the war and treated 136,000 injured soldiers. Malta was nicknamed the Nurse of the Mediterranean.
The 7th June is a national holiday celebrated annually in remembrance to the victims that resulted from shots fired into a rioting crowd. Following the first world war, supplies were scarce and the locals were uprising against the british occupant.
on 7th June 1986 a monument was inaugurated at St George Square . Valletta.
Sir Joseph Howard Becomes Malta's first Prime Minister. Sir Howard served between 1921 and 1923.
- 1940 - Mussolini's Italy enters WWII on 10 June. On 11 June Italian bombers strike at Malta's Grand Harbour. Three ageing biplanes take to the air to defend the islands.
- 1940–43 - Malta assumes huge strategic importance as a WWII naval and air force base; the country experiences heavy bombing and great hardship.
- 1942 - King George VI awards the George Cross, Britain's highest award for civilian bravery, to the entire population of Malta.
- 1943 - In July Malta serves as the operational headquarters and air support base for the Allied invasion of Sicily. Captured Italian warships are anchored in Marsaxlokk Bay.
Self Government through Election
13th December 1974, Malta revised it's constitution and named the first President of Malta, Sir Anthony Mamo. The British did not leave the island before 31st March 1979, when the military bases were closed down.
Following a 2003 referendum , the Maltese people voted in favour of Joining the European Union with a turnout of over 92% and just over 50% of the eligible votes in favour of Joining. Malta became a full member on the 1st of May 2004.
On 1st January 2008 Malta adopted the euro as it's currency , bidding farewell to the Maltese Lira.
The Azure window, also know as It tieqa tad Dwejra (Dwejra's Window) , collapse during a severe storm. The natural arch stood at a height of 28 meters until it collapsed on 8th March 2017.
The cause is attributed to natural erosion.
The Azure window, also know as It tieqa tad Dwejra (Dwejra's Window) , collapse during a severe storm. The natural arch stood at a height of 28 meters until it collapsed on 8th March 2017.
The cause is attributed to natural erosion.