In 1798, Malta fell under French control when Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces invaded the island. However the French occupation of Malta was short-lived. The Maltese people, unhappy with the French rule, began to revolt soon after the French arrived. The French imposed harsh reforms that angered the locals, including heavy taxes and the seizure of property, especially from the Church. These actions led to widespread discontent among the population. The Maltese, seeking to restore their independence, turned to the British for help.
The French occupation of Malta was short-lived
Unrest Under French Rule
The French occupation introduced many changes that the Maltese found unbearable. Napoleon’s forces abolished traditional privileges and placed severe restrictions on the local population. The French aimed to modernize the island, but their policies alienated the Maltese. Many people, especially the Catholic clergy, resisted the changes. The French had also taken over religious institutions and forced the Church to give up significant power. These actions sparked the Maltese rebellion against their new rulers.
The Maltese Rebellion and Appeal to Britain
By 1799, the situation on the island had grown tense. The Maltese were desperate to rid themselves of French rule. In their search for a solution, they sought British assistance. The British, already engaged in a broader struggle with Napoleon in Europe, saw an opportunity to expand their influence in the Mediterranean. They responded by sending a powerful naval fleet to Malta to assist the Maltese in their fight for freedom.
The British Siege
In 1799, the British fleet arrived off the coast of Malta, and a siege began. The French forces, though well-equipped, were soon surrounded. Despite their best efforts to defend the island, the French were outnumbered and outmatched. The siege lasted for two long years, with both sides enduring hardship. The Maltese, supported by the British, continued to resist the French, growing more determined with each passing day.
French occupation of Malta was short-lived: Expulsion of the French
In 1800, the situation for the French forces became untenable. After two years of fierce resistance, the French were forced to surrender. The Maltese, now free from French rule, welcomed the British as their new protectors. The British took control of Malta, marking the end of the short-lived French occupation. Britain would go on to govern Malta for the next 160 years, turning the island into a crucial naval base in the Mediterranean.
The expulsion of the French marked a turning point in Malta’s history. The island’s strategic location in the Mediterranean made it an important prize for European powers, and Malta’s future would be shaped by its new British rulers.