Women in Malta in times of revolt - the French Period

Abstract

Without a doubt the French period in Maltese history was a turbulent time. The arrival of the French in June 1798 and the subsequent uprising of the Maltese on 2nd September 1798 against one of the super powers of that time, ignited a stormy period in Maltese history that lasted close to two years. Most of the history written of this time deals with the diplomatic negotiations, the politics and the authorities' efforts; in my latest book Once upon a time in 17981 1799 and 18 001 I tried to see what the local Maltese and other residents of the islands were doing while all of this was happening. This chapter highlights the adventures and misadventures of particular women living in Malta at the time from my book and other literature. This chapter will also discuss general hardships experienced by victims because they were women.