Maltese industrial development, 1933 – 1939

Abstract

Research on economic aspects of inter-war Malta has been mostly subsumed in broader political historical narratives, especially for the years leading up to the Second World War when British colonial rule was re-established after a short stint of Maltese self-government. This paper attempts to address this by focusing on industrial development in the years 1933 to 1939, taking also into consideration recent historiography on the subject. This period coincided with the ebbing of a major world depression whose effects could still be felt on Malta. The British administration, sensitive to the implications of growing uncertainty in the Mediterranean and the need for security locally, shifted their policy to protect local industry. At the same time economic diversification by way of creating new industries was highlighted by some local groups. Yet notwithstanding these developments, industrial production was held up for a number of reasons, not least since the timing was not ideal, but also due to the persistence of traditional habits and challenges.