Beginning of Mediterranean History

• The Mediterranean Sea

  • During the late 18th century, the Mediterranean sea became important for the British Empire because of the trade route to India - the "umbilical cord". India considered to be "the jewel in the crown".
  • Having only Gibraltar, it became imperative to look for other foot hole in the Mediterranean. At first, the British cast their eyes on Toulon and Corsica but the project failed.
• French invasion of Malta


  1. Napoleon invaded Malta

  2. Demanded entry into the grandharbour

  3. French troops invaded Gozo and North of Malta

  4. Order asked for a capitulation

  5. Terms were that the order leaves the island without taking any of its treasures
• Napoleon invaded Malta


  1798
• French governed Malta for 3 months


  1798
• French started to rob local churches from their treasures


  Maltese revolted against the French
• Maltese revolt against the French


  1. Revolt in Mdina and Rabat

  2. Spread around Malta and Gozo

  3. Insurrection brought about popular awakening, armed, organised, brave and bloody

  4. French locked themselves in Valletta and Fort Chambray
• Maltese seek British support


  1. Maltese delegation sought support of British navy

  2. Admiral Nelson sent Captain Ball to organise the Maltese outside Valletta

  3. Group of warships to blockade the grandharbour
• French surrendered to the British


  September 1800
• Malta passed on to the hands of the British authorities who regarded the island with apprehension
• Violation of the Treaty of Amiens

  The revived hostilities between England and France rendered the Treaty of Amiens to a "piece of paper".

  The biggest benefit for Malta resulted from the Continental Blockade from 1806 till 1813. During the Continental blockade, Malta proved to be:

  1. A repair base for the navy
  2. A communication centre between England, Levant and India
  3. A fortress
  4. A commercial asset
• The Continental Blockade and its effects on Malta

  During the Continental Blockade, Malta gained a prominent role in the trade and commerce of British goods. Malta became a centre for trade licence which were issued to vessels travelling in the Mediterranean. It was obligatory for neutral ships to stop in Malta for clearance from the Royal Navy. Because of the war in Europe, Maltese experienced an economic boom.