British Colonial fiscal policy in Malta, 1812-1838

Abstract

One of the main causes of the successful revolt by the Maltese against the French in September 1798 was undoubtedly the failure of the French to establish a sound financial basis for their administration. By contrast, one of the main reasons for the Maltese acceptance - by and large - of British rule in the first decade of the nineteenth century was the prosperity enjoyed by Malta at the time and the facility given to the Maltese to run the financial establishments of government under the guidance of Civil Commissioners with considerable financial support from the Treasury in London.