2.4. Relations with Europe Flashcards
What was the early Kongo-Portuguese relationship like under Afonso I?
Mutual interest with economic exchange and political similarities
Both kingdoms were monarchies with political centralization and similar social structures.
What were the main coordinators in the trading relationship between Kongo and Portugal?
The King of Portugal, the governor and slave dealers of Sao Tome, the King of Kongo and his allies, the Portuguese of the Kongo
These groups played significant roles in maintaining trade and economic relations.
What frustrated Afonso regarding the trading relationship with Portugal?
Violations of his trade monopoly by Portuguese clients and interlopers
Afonso’s letters reveal his concerns about maintaining control over trade.
How did Afonso I maintain his trading relationship with Portugal?
By mastering Portuguese systems and sending Kongolese students to Lisbon for education
The early involvement of Kongolese in Portuguese affairs facilitated better relations.
What does Afonso’s letter series in 1526 suggest about relations with the Portuguese?
Concerns about the increasing wealth and power of Portuguese vassals over his own subjects
Afonso expressed worries about Portuguese actions undermining his authority.
How were the patron-client relationships similar between Portugal and the Kongo?
Both societies had a system of nobility where blood and marriage ties were crucial
This similarity facilitated the integration of Portuguese into Kongo’s nobility.
What impact did the Jaga invasion have on Kongo-Portuguese relations?
Increased confrontation and military alliances as Kongo sought help against external threats
The Jaga invasion led to greater reliance on Portuguese military support.
Why did the Portuguese conquest of Ndongo threaten the Kingdom of Kongo?
It established a competing colonial territory that undermined Kongo’s authority
The conquest of Ndongo shifted the power dynamics in the region.
How successful was Alvaro II in dealing with the threat from Angola?
He attempted to preserve Kongo’s independence but faced increasing pressure from Portuguese ambitions
Alvaro II’s policies aimed at disengagement from Portuguese control.
Fill in the blank: Afonso I threatened to expel all the ______ in 1528.
Portuguese
True or False: The Kongo’s productivity was lower than that of most of Europe.
False
What were the four sets of people involved in the economic relations with Kongo?
- The King of Portugal
- The governor of Sao Tome
- Slave dealers
- The King of Kongo and his allies
What was a significant cultural assimilation observed in Kongo under Afonso I?
Adoption of Portuguese titles and styles in royal correspondence
Afonso styled himself similarly to the King of Portugal, indicating cultural exchange.
What did the Portuguese expansion into Ndongo signify for the Kongo?
A shift in power dynamics and increased insecurity for Kongo’s southern provinces
The expansion threatened Kongo’s territorial integrity and control.
What were the main Portuguese ambitions that stressed the Kongo-Portugal alliance?
- Colonial development
- Control of trade
- Capture of slaves
Who was the first sovereign of the new lineage after Alvaro I?
Alvaro II
What did Diogo I attempt to achieve through his ambassador sent to Europe?
Confirmation of the treaty regulating commercial relations and direct relations with the Holy See
This was part of Kongo’s effort to regain initiative in trade.
What significant transformation occurred in 1569 in Sao Salvador?
The church of Sao Salvador was transformed into a cathedral.
Who was Alvaro II, and what was his policy regarding Portugal?
Alvaro II was a king determined to establish direct relations with the Holy See and pursue a policy of ‘disengagement’ from Portugal.
How many kings ruled Kongo between 1614 and 1641?
Eight kings ruled during this period, with several being very young at accession.
What was the First Luso-Kongolese War?
It was a conflict that began in 1622 as Portuguese aggression towards Kongo increased.
What role did the Dutch play in Central Africa during the 16th century?
The Dutch established themselves as merchants, primarily trading ivory and copper, and avoided the slave trade initially.
What was a major turning point in Luso-Kongolese relations in the late 1610s?
Portuguese governors formed alliances with the Imbangala, leading to military actions against Kongo.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Mbumbi in 1622?
It was a decisive defeat for Kongo, marking the first major battle between Kongo armies and Portuguese forces.
Who was Pedro II, and what actions did he take during the anti-Portuguese riots?
Pedro II was the new king of Kongo who mobilised an army to counterattack and protected Portuguese residents during the riots.
What did Pedro II propose to the Dutch in his letter?
He proposed an alliance where Kongo forces would attack Luanda in coordination with a Dutch seaborne attack.
What was the significance of the letter from Pedro II to the Dutch States General?
It outlined a plan for Kongo to pay the Dutch in ivory and silver in exchange for military support against the Portuguese.
What were the consequences of the Kongo-Dutch alliance?
The alliance allowed Kongo to strengthen its military position and oppose Portuguese control.
What happened to Kongo’s military efforts against the Portuguese by early 1623?
Kongo’s army had not yet defeated the Portuguese, and subsequent attacks were met with resistance.
What led to the decline of Kongo’s relations with Portugal during the 17th century?
Commercial rivalries, territorial appropriations, and the struggle against the Catholic Church weakened Kongo.
What was the outcome of the second Luso-Kongolese War (1641-43)?
The alliance with the Dutch allowed Kongo to capture Luanda, but the Dutch eventually abandoned their positions.
What was Garcia II’s role in Kongo’s relations with Europe before 1648?
He strengthened Kongo’s relations with Rome and sought support for hereditary kingship while defending Catholic missions.
What significant event occurred in 1649 regarding Kongo’s territory?
Garcia surrendered mining deposits and southern lands to Portugal, marking the beginning of Kongo’s decline.
What was the outcome of the military conflict at Ambouila in 1665?
The Kongo army was virtually wiped out, leading to the death of Antonio I and a period of rivalries.
What changes occurred in Kongo leadership following Garcia II’s death?
The crown was captured by the Ki-Nlaza clan, leading to further instability.
How did the commercial monopoly of Portugal decline in the 17th century?
The emergence of France, England, and Dutch settlements in Soyo contributed to the decline.
What was the impact of the Portuguese invasion during the reign of Pedro II?
It led to raids and territorial appropriations that weakened Kongo’s sovereignty.
What role did the Imbangala mercenaries play in Kongo’s military campaigns?
They were used by the Portuguese as a military force in campaigns against Kongo and Ndongo.
