>1964 Malta Gains Independence From Great Britian
On September 21, 1964 Malta gained its independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation.
In 1798, Malta was briefly occupied by Napoleon's French forces, but the Maltese, discontent with French rule, sought British protection. Subsequently, the British Royal Navy expelled the French from Malta in 1800, and the island became a British protectorate before officially becoming a British colony in 1813.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Malta's strategic location made it an essential military and naval base for the British Empire. The island played a crucial role during World War I as a hub for military hospitals and during World War II as a vital outpost for the British and Allied forces. The heavy bombardment of Malta by the Axis powers during World War II led to its population being collectively awarded the George Cross for bravery by King George VI in 1942.
Process of Gaining Independence
After World War II, political developments in Malta focused on self-government and eventual independence. In 1947, the Maltese Legislative Assembly was re-established, granting the island limited self-governance. However, the 1950s saw growing political unrest in Malta, with disputes arising over integration with the United Kingdom and the British military presence on the island.
In 1955, Dom Mintoff, the leader of the Malta Labour Party, became the Prime Minister and sought to establish a more significant degree of autonomy. However, his proposals for integration with the UK were met with opposition from the Maltese Nationalist Party and factions within his party. In 1958, Mintoff resigned, leading to a period of direct British colonial rule.
In 1962, the British government, under Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, introduced the "Winds of Change" policy, which aimed to gradually grant independence to British colonies. Following this policy shift, negotiations between Britain and Malta commenced, resulting in the drafting of a new constitution for Malta that provided for its eventual independence.
On September 21, 1964, Malta officially gained its independence from Great Britain, becoming a sovereign nation. The British monarch remained the head of state, with a Maltese Governor-General representing the Crown. Malta also became a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Implications of Independence
Malta's independence from Great Britain marked the beginning of a new era for the small island nation. It allowed Malta to exercise full control over its domestic and international affairs, paving the way for significant political, social, and economic changes. The newly independent country faced challenges in developing its economy, which had previously been reliant on British military spending.
Over the following years, Malta pursued a policy of non-alignment and neutrality, seeking to establish friendly relations with various nations, including those in the Mediterranean region. The country continued to grapple with the legacy of its colonial past, and in 1974, it became a republic, severing formal ties with the British monarchy. The British military presence in Malta continued until 1979, when the defense agreement between the two countries expired, and the last British forces left the island.