2.6 The collapse of the Kingdom of Kongo Flashcards
What were the main inter-related causes for the collapse of the Kingdom of Kongo?
The slave trade, civil wars, and pestilence
What significant population change occurred in the Kingdom of Kongo during the 17th century? CHECK THIS
A devastating population loss around 4% per year by the late 18th century
What was the critical year when Sao Salvador was sacked, leading to its abandonment?
1678
Which provinces became independent by the early 18th century?
- Soyo
- Mbamba
- Mbata
- Nsundi
What were the names of the three branches of the royal family that contributed to Kongo’s civil wars?
- Kimpanzu
- Kinlaza
- Kinkanga a Mvika
What major battle in 1665 led to a succession crisis in Kongo?
The battle of Mbwila
What was the outcome of the military defeat at Mbwila for Kongo’s leadership?
The death of Antonio I and a subsequent crisis of succession
What was the impact of the slave trade on the political structure of Kongo?
It led to a surplus of eligible contenders for leadership and increased competition among nobility
Fill in the blank: The Kingdom of Kongo was made up of three loosely joined units: Loango, the southern provinces, and the area around _______.
Nsundi
True or False: The King of Loango recognized the pre-eminence of the ntotila of the Kongo.
False
What were the roles of the clergy in relation to the slave trade in Kongo?
They bought slaves, baptized slaves, and defended the Portuguese monopoly
What was the relationship between Christianity and the political structure of Kongo?
Christianity caused internal confrontations and was used by kings as an instrument of unification
What significant event marked the independence of Soyo from Kongo?
Soyo declared its independence in 1636
What was the consequence of the establishment of a slave-based mode of production in Soyo?
It provided a hostile center for political refugees and rival lineages
List the factors important in causing Kongo’s disintegration.
- Nature of society and civilization
- Level of technology
- Form of government
- Weakness of physical communication
Fill in the blank: The decline of Sao Salvador’s population was marked by a significant event in _______ when it was sacked.
1678
Who was the king that managed to impose his lineage on the throne after a long conflict?
King Garcia II
What was the role of the Portuguese in the dissolution of Kongo?
They exercised a subtle domination and influenced local political struggles
Who was Afonso I and what was his influence on the Kingdom of Kongo?
Afonso I was a king who initially reinforced central power but later faced challenges from external forces
What did the Antonian movement advocate for in the early 18th century?
The election of a single king
True or False: The influence of the clergy in Kongo was entirely beneficial and did not lead to any conflicts.
False
What was the population level of Kongo at the start of the colonial period?
About 1 million
