Independent Africa: The Congo

Flashcards about the Independent Africa and The Congo History

What is the Democratic Republic of Congo?

A huge country in Central Africa, initially formed as a colony during the Berlin Conference of 1894-1895, and called the Republic of Zaire between 1971 and 1997.

Why was the Congo River of vital interest to colonial European powers?

Represents a 7,000 mile series of connected waterways, a highway to the African interior.

Who colonized the Congo?

King Leopold II of Belgium in the late 1800s.

Why was there genocide in the Congo under King Leopold II?

To maximize profits from the rubber plantations, Leopold's agents forced young men to work by holding their families captive until quotas were met, resulting in widespread death and mistreatment.

What did European missionaries establish in the Congo, objecting to King Leopold II's abuse?

Schools and clinics.

By 1959, what proportion of the world's resources was the Congo producing?

10% of the world’s copper, 50% of the world’s cobalt and 70% of the world’s diamonds.

Name some of the pro-independence political parties established in the Congo in the 1950s.

The Alliance des Bakongo (ABAKO), Fédération Kasaïenne, Confédération des Associations Tribales du Katanga (CONAKAT), and Mouvement National Congolais (MNC).

Who was Patrice Lumumba?

Leader of the MNC, arrested and imprisoned but later released to attend the Brussels Conference.

When did Belgium grant independence to the Congo, and who were the initial leaders?

June 1960, with Lumumba as Prime Minister and Kasa-Vubu as President.

What marked the beginning of the Congo Crisis?

A mutiny among the soldiers in July 1960 due to Lumumba keeping white officers and not raising soldier pay.

Which provinces declared independence during the Congo Crisis?

The copper-rich province of Katanga and the diamond-rich province of South Kasai.

Why did the USSR get involved in the Congo Crisis?

Lumumba asked the USSR for help, leading to Soviet support with trucks, planes, and military advisors.

How did the USA and Belgium respond to Lumumba's request for Soviet aid?

The USA and Belgium gave money to Joseph Mobutu, who arrested Lumumba.

What happened to Lumumba after his capture?

Lumumba was assassinated in Katanga on January 17, 1961.

How did Mobutu come to power?

Overthrew Kasa-Vubu in 1965 and took control of the Congo, renaming it the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

What is a bloodless coup?

A non-violent takeover of government.

What type of government did the DRC become under Mobutu?

Became a one-party state under Mobutu, with only the Mouvement Populaire de la Révolution (MPR) allowed.

Why did the USA continue to support Mobutu?

USA continued to support Mobutu because he was anti-communist, providing financial aid.

What changes occurred in the 1970s as part of Mobutu's 'Authenticaté' Campaign?

The country was renamed Zaire, the Congo River became the Zaire River, and cities were Africanised.

What was the stated goal of Mobutu's 'zairianisation'?

To return assets to the Zairian people, but Mobutu confiscated them and allocated them to himself and his MPR leaders.

What were the First and Second Shaba Wars?

Occurred in 1977 and 1978 when Congolese rebels invaded the Shaba province from bases in Angola.

How did the end of the Cold War affect the Congo?

Ended American aid to Mobutu, and the IMF reduced loans, leading to Mobutu agreeing to multi-party elections.

Who was Laurent Kabila?

Overthrew Mobutu in 1997, succeeded by his son Joseph Kabila.

Name some of the areas that continued to earn money for the Congo.

Mining, oil, agriculture, and forestry.

What were some economic challenges during Mobutu's dictatorship?

Foreign firms owned the mines, so profits were sent overseas, and later, mines were poorly managed due to lack of experience and corruption.

What were some political successes under Mobutu?

Under Mobutu, the Congo remained politically stable and unified, attempting to build a national identity.

Name serious factors threatening the country’s ability to chart its own course politically.

Western countries for financial aid and military support, and Western businesses in the Congo.

What were some of the greatest social challenges faced by the Congo after independence?

Economic inequality, extreme poverty, civil war, malnutrition, diseases, and high rates of sexual violence.

What were some of the social successes of the congo after independence?

The end of white supremacy and Kinshasa becoming a large urban area.

What were cultural successes in the Congo after independence?

Improved cultural confidence, a diverse array of cultures, and the mixing of African traditions with European influences.

How many languages were spoken in the Congo?

242

What is a current cultural challenge in the Congo?

Problematic links between some faith leaders and paramilitary groups.