oct 2, 1958 - Guinea Independence

Description:

France granted Guinea its independence in October of 1958. Guinea's leader, Ahmed Sekou Touré voted "non" to France's 1958 Constitutional Referendum. Subsequently, France withdrew all social and economic ties from the country, including infrastructure that had already been put in place. Independent Guinea is important because it gives a clear picture of what France desired to maintain in the aftermath of its colonies' transitions to independence. Unfortunately, it also clearly shows what France was willing to do if their former colonies did not accede to their wishes. Lastly, France's reaction to Guinea's "non" is a prime example of what total economic violence can look like.