A History of The Gambia
Discover the remarkable story of a nation defined by a river. On a map, The Gambia is a geographical curiosity-a slender sliver of land carved deep into the heart of Senegal, its very existence owed to the waterway that serves as its spine. This sweeping history flows from the ancient stone circles that hint at forgotten civilizations and the powerful influence of the great Mali Empire, which brought Islam and new currents of trade, to the establishment of the diverse communities that would form the nation's rich cultural tapestry.
The tide of history turns dramatically with the arrival of European ships, an encounter that would forever link the region to the Atlantic world. This narrative unflinchingly explores the shift from legitimate commerce in gold and ivory to the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade, an enterprise that left indelible scars on the societies of Senegambia. It details the long rivalry between Britain and France for control of the river, culminating in the establishment of a British Crown Colony, the creation of its peculiar borders during the Scramble for Africa, and the transformation of its economy into a fragile monoculture dependent on a single crop: the groundnut.
From the embers of colonialism, a peaceful movement for self-determination emerges, leading to the birth of a new nation in 1965. Under its first president, Dawda Jawara, The Gambia earned a rare reputation as a bastion of multiparty democracy and stability in West Africa, becoming known as "The Smiling Coast of Africa." This long era of tranquility was shattered in 1994 by a military coup led by a young lieutenant, Yahya Jammeh, plunging the country into a twenty-two-year period of increasing authoritarianism, brutal human rights abuses, and international isolation.
This comprehensive account culminates in the astonishing events of 2016, when a united opposition achieved a stunning electoral victory, leading to a tense political standoff that captured the world's attention. It chronicles the dramatic restoration of democracy and the immense challenges that followed: confronting a traumatic past through a national truth commission, rebuilding shattered institutions, and navigating the complex relationship with its all-encompassing neighbor, Senegal.
From ancient kingdoms to a modern-day struggle for justice and prosperity, this is the definitive history of a unique and resilient nation. It is a story of conflict and coexistence, of oppression and freedom, and of a people whose destiny has always been shaped by the ebb and flow of their magnificent river.
Related Subjects
HistoryCustomer Reviews
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
