Bashir Shihab II was a prominent Maronite leader who played a central role in Lebanese politics during the early 19th century. His leadership was characterized by a blend of military prowess and political maneuvers, aimed at sustaining the autonomy of the Maronite community within the Empire. However, the growing tensions between various religious and ethnic groups in Lebanon caught the attention of the Ottoman authorities, leading to an escalation of military confrontations. The Ottomans, under the pretext of restoring order, deemed it necessary to eliminate Bashir's influence in the region.

As military forces converged, Bashir faced increasing pressures from the Ottomans, culminating in his surrender in 1840. Following his capitulation, he was exiled to the island of Malta. This decision by the Ottoman Empire was not just a personal defeat for Bashir; it was a strategic move to consolidate their power by eliminating a key figure that had resisted Ottoman authority. His removal was part of a broader effort to reassert control over Mount Lebanon and ensure that local leaders adhered to the Empire's rule.

Bashir's exile marked the end of an era and reflected the complexities of governance and ethnic loyalties in the Ottoman Empire. Despite his exile, Bashir remained a symbol of resistance for the Maronite community. His life and leadership had significant implications for future Maronite political movements and their quest for autonomy, significantly shaping the socio-political landscape of Lebanon for decades to come.