This thesis examines how it was possible that within a month after the end of British colonialism (1890-1963) Zanzibar's new regime faced a coup d'etat, which was successful. The main research question is to ask why the colonial partnership of the ruling landowners and the economically dominant merchants failed. In order to answer these questions I will use the key concepts Antonio Gramsci used in understanding historically shifting political partnerships; however, I will do so in a way that may not be consistent with his historical materialist framework as I focus on the formation of racial group identities (as well as more Gramscian focus on class struggles). The evidence I will be using to support my arguments will be secondary historical materials though I will use some primary source materials.