Zanzibar was an ethnically diverse state consisting Cause_to_be_included of a number of islands off the east coast of Tanganyika which had been granted Giving independence by Britain in 1963 .

In a series of parliamentary elections Choosing preceding Process_start independence , the Arab minority succeeded in retaining Preserving the hold on power it had inherited from Zanzibar 's former existence Presence as an overseas territory of Oman .

Having overrun the country 's police force and appropriated their weaponry , the insurgents proceeded Self_motion to Zanzibar Town where they overthrew Change_of_leadership the Sultan and his government .

As Zanzibar lay within the British sphere of influence , the British government drew up a number of intervention plans .

Karume succeeded in negotiating Communication a merger of Zanzibar with Tanganyika to form Coming_to_be the new nation of Tanzania , an act judged by contemporary media to be an attempt to prevent Preventing_or_letting communist subversion of Zanzibar .

Karume succeeded in negotiating Communication a merger of Zanzibar with Tanganyika to form Coming_to_be the new nation of Tanzania , an act judged by contemporary media to be an attempt to prevent Preventing_or_letting communist subversion of Zanzibar .

The revolution ended Process_end 200 years of Arab dominance in Zanzibar , and is commemorated Social_event on the island each year with anniversary celebrations and a public holiday .

Sudan and Zanzibar also withdrew Removing , but stayed Temporary_stay out .