Guinea, Africa

    Although Islam is popular now, it took some effort and time for it to spread to Guinea. Islam reached the Savannah region in the 8th Century C.E. It was spread through trade, as there were many trade routes connecting West Africa and the Middle East, which is where Islam originated. There were three stages in the spread of Islam- containment, mixing, and reform (Margari Hill). Guinea also took a long time before it got its independence. Originally, Portugese explorers took control over Guinea. This lasted until 1778, when they traded it with Spain in exchange for South America. The Spanish Civil war in 1820 led to rebel forces taking over the country. It became an official Spanish colony in 1900. Guinea was ruled by Spain for 190 years. In 1968 they were given the choice to stay as a colony or to gain their independence, and they chose independence. Francisco Macias Nguema became their first president (sahistory.org). Guinea’s government is a republic (Michigan State University). The only war they have been involved in was the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939 (Princeton.edu). Islam played a large role in the history of Guinea and it still affects it in modern times today.