We have everywhere, even in colonies with a smaller educated community than in Malta, granted a share in government to local representatives… The only question therefore seems to be how far we can c
We have everywhere, even in colonies with a smaller educated community than in Malta, granted a share in government to local representatives… The only question therefore seems to be how far we can concede to the popular demands without endangering our interests in Malta as a fortress and coaling station.
[Governor Sir L. Simmons to Colonial Secretary, 20th December 1886]
- Assess the dominant economic phase which Malta was passing through at the time of this despatch. (5 marks)
- Why was Malta’s role as a fortress taken so much into consideration by the British authorities when coming to decide the level of Maltese representation in government? (5 marks)
- What social classes formed the ‘education community’ in Malta? (5 marks)
- Indicate when the last constitution had been granted prior to the date of this despatch and when the next constitution would be granted. (5 marks)
- To what extent did this conflict between demands for civil rights and imperial military interests produce clashes during the last quarter of the nineteenth century? (5 marks)