Cold War and Decolonization in Guinea, 1946-1958

Guinea claimed its independence in September 1958, voting "No" to a constitution that would have relegated it to junior partnership in the French Community. In all the French empire, Guinea was the only territory to vote "No." Although Guinea's stance vis-a-vis the 1958 constitution has been recognized as unique, until now the historical roots of this phenomenon have not been adequately explained.

Based on previously unexamined archival records and oral interviews with grassroots activists, ...