A case study of revolution: Zanzibar and Tanganyika compared

Abstract

The following essay is a study of revolution. The Zanzibar Revolution is studied within the framework of Chalmers Johnson's paradigm, multiple dysfunctions plus an intransigent elite plus an accelerator equals a revolution. Economical failure, inequitable landownership, and racial animosity are three of the most commonly cited causes of the revolution0 These three factors are examined as possible dysfunctional elements within the Zanzibar society0 In addition, once a probable dysfunction is identified in Zanzibar, that same factor is examined in a parallel study of a healthy society, Tanganyika is used for this comparative analysis because of its many similarities and close proximity to Zanzibar. Johnson’s thesis also requires an intransigent elite for the culmination of a revolution. The leadership of both Zanzibar and Tanganyika are examined for their sensitivity, approachability, and respectability within their respective countries 0The final ingredient for a revolution is an accelerator, something which ignites the revolution. Three possible accelerators are identified and examined in Zanzibar5 these are a communist-lead conspiracy, the emergence of a great leader, and the influence of the Africanization of the African continent. Again, these same factors are examined in Tanganyika,