The history of Zanzibar international relations from 1840-1963.

The main objective of the study was to examine the history of Zanzibar international relations from 1840 to 1963. The study is based on the assumption that international relations between Zanzibar and other countries contributed to the integration of Zanzibar into the capitalist world. The study used the qualitative approach in examining these relations. It used interviews as well as documentary review as the main methods for data collection. The study reveals a number of findings. The study finds that Zanzibar was under the influence of Britain long before the Sultan Seyyid died. Seyyid Said was an obedient and loyal partner to Britain since Britain helped him against his enemies, Al Qawasim in the Persian Gulf. Secondly Britain was the master in Zanzibar and took full control of internal affairs and all matters concerning international relations in 1890 when Zanzibar was declared a British Protectorate. Furthermore, the establishment of consuls in Zanzibar from 1833 to 1885 was purposefully done by capitalist countries to make sure their needs and demands were fulfilled. Trade was the main connection between Zanzibar and metropolitan countries. Zanzibar exported cloves, ivory, coconut, gum copal and other commodities which earned traders from Europe and America and enormous profits. There were improvements in Zanzibar because of the relations between Zanzibar and those European countries and America. The growth of Zanzibar went hand-in-hand with the development of infrastructure like roads and telecommunications, and also the improvement of social services like health, education and others.