French invasion of Malta
Napoleon Bonaparte led the French First Republic in a campaign that targeted Malta in June 1798. The island was then ruled by the Knights Hospitaller, an order that had lost its original purpose of fighting Muslims during the eighteenth century. France became a major source of revenue for the Order, and most members were French citizens. Financial difficulties plagued the group by 1792 following setbacks from the French Revolution. European powers began eyeing Malta due to its central Mediterranean position and strong fortifications. By March 1798, the Order learned that France was amassing weapons in Toulon. Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim believed the preparations were meant for attacks on Portugal or Ireland instead. He did not think an assault on Malta was imminent despite receiving information about potential threats.
French forces landed at four locations across the Maltese Islands between the 10th and the 13th of June 1798. Louis Baraguey d'Hilliers commanded troops landing at St. Paul's Bay where defenders surrendered quickly after some resistance. A knight and a Maltese soldier died while around 150 others were captured there. Louis Desaix led forces to Marsaxlokk where Fort Rohan fell after brief fighting before other coastal defenses were abandoned. Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois directed landings at St. Julian's against token resistance from the Maltese Regiment. The Hospitallers attempted counterattacks but were ambushed by battalions of the 19th of the Line near Mdina. Jean Reynier commanded French troops landing on Gozo near Nadur between Ramla Right Battery and Sopu Tower. Sergeant-Major Bertrand died during this operation as French bombards returned fire to local batteries. By nightfall on the 12th, the entire archipelago except Valletta was under French control.
Fort Tigné faced repeated bombardment on the 11th and the 12th of June while its defenders remained unaware of ongoing negotiations. The fortification held out until the defending garrison abandoned it on the night of the 12th to 13th. Fort Ricasoli and Fort Manoel withstood multiple attacks before surrendering only after the main capitulation agreement was signed. Napoleon dictated terms aboard his flagship L'Orient during a 24-hour ceasefire that began on the 11th. General Junot arrived with envoys including Jean de Bosredon de Ransijat who had been freed from imprisonment. The convention signed on the 12th required surrender of Fort St. Angelo, Birgu, Senglea, and Cottonera Lines by noon that day. Additional fortifications including Floriana Lines and Fort Saint Elmo were handed over by noon on the following day. The Order's navy transferred to French officers by the 12th of June. Approximately 1200 artillery pieces and 40000 muskets changed hands as part of this transfer.
Napoleon landed at Valletta on the 13th of June staying first at Banca Giuratale then Palazzo Parisio for six days total. He issued instructions that radically reformed Maltese government and society to align with French Republican ideals. Most knights departed shortly after taking few possessions including some relics and icons. The Grand Master received shelter from Paul I of Russia who later became proclaimed Grand Master by remaining members. The Order evolved into what is now known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta without territory. General Vaubois remained behind with a garrison to maintain control during the occupation period. Within three months of the invasion, public opinion shifted dramatically against French rule. The occupiers refused to pay existing debts while introducing new taxes and restricting Church privileges. Looting of churches began occurring within weeks of the initial takeover causing widespread resentment among the population.
The Maltese rose up against their French occupiers within three months of the June 1798 invasion. They took control of most islands with assistance from British, Neapolitan, and Portuguese forces. A two-year blockade followed targeting the French garrison stationed in Valletta and Cottonera. The defenders held out until Vaubois surrendered to British forces in 1800. This surrender made Malta a protectorate initiating 164 years of British rule over the islands. The uprising transformed what had been a quick military conquest into a prolonged struggle for independence. Local insurgents used knowledge of terrain and coastal fortifications to harass French supply lines effectively. The blockade demonstrated how quickly popular support could turn against occupying powers despite early cooperation. Final capitulation ended nearly two decades of Hospitaller sovereignty that had lasted since 1530.
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Common questions
Who led the French invasion of Malta in 1798?
Napoleon Bonaparte led the French First Republic forces during the June 1798 campaign against Malta. The island was then ruled by the Knights Hospitaller, an order that had lost its original purpose of fighting Muslims during the eighteenth century.
When did French forces land on the Maltese Islands?
French forces landed at four locations across the Maltese Islands between the 10th and the 13th of June 1798. By nightfall on the 12th, the entire archipelago except Valletta was under French control.
Where did Napoleon stay after landing at Valletta on the 13th of June 1798?
Napoleon stayed first at Banca Giuratale then Palazzo Parisio for six days total upon his arrival at Valletta on the 13th of June 1798. He issued instructions that radically reformed Maltese government and society to align with French Republican ideals.
Why did the Maltese rise up against their French occupiers within three months of the invasion?
The Maltese rose up because the occupiers refused to pay existing debts while introducing new taxes and restricting Church privileges. Looting of churches began occurring within weeks of the initial takeover causing widespread resentment among the population.
How long did British rule last over Malta following the surrender of Vaubois in 1800?
This surrender made Malta a protectorate initiating 164 years of British rule over the islands. The final capitulation ended nearly two decades of Hospitaller sovereignty that had lasted since 1530.