Colonisation Flashcards
Why was Congo characterised by uncertainty and instability?
- 5 days after independence - army mutinied
- Katanga seceded from new republic (July 1960)
- Patrice tortured and murdered (January 1961)
- Rebellions in north and east under Mobutu - Zaire
When did Belgium have little intention of granting independence?
After the Second World War
What was Belgium secretly planning?
A period of transition which would be implemented over a period of 10 years
When was Belgium caught offguard?
Early in 1959
How was Belgium caught of guard?
Incidence of unrest broke out in various parts of the country
Who was behind the outbreaks of violence?
No single group or organisation
What was the Congolese protesting against?
Frustrations of being exploited
How did the Belgians respond to the unrest?
Holding free elections
Why did the free elections end up a fast?
Congolese boycotted them
What did the uprisings in Congo lead to?
Vowel can colonist to negotiate with the representatives of Congo
What type of conference took place?
Round table conference in Brussels in January 1960
When did the conference take place?
January 1960
Who was invited to the conference?
Patrice Lumumba, Joseph Kasavubu, Moise Tshombe
Why was the conference historic?
It marked the first time in Congolese history that the Belgain authorities decided to consult the Congolese
What decision was taken in Brussels?
New elections were to be held in the independence would follow
When was independence granted to Congo?
30 June 1960 after three multi-party elections
Who was the head of the largest party in the assembly?
Patrice Lumumba
What was the largest party in the assembly called?
The national Congolese movement (MNC)
What was the national Congolese movement?
The countries prime minister in a coalition government
Who was Lumumba’s rival?
Joseph Kasavubu
Who became the President of Congo?
Joseph Kasavubu
How did Belgium hand over independence?
Without having done anything to prepare the Congolese for change
What did Belgium did not allow for?
A satisfactory resolution regarding differences of opinion regarding constitutional issues
What was the difference between Lumumba and Kasavubu’s view of the government?
Lumumba wanted a national government
Kasavubu wanted a federation based on ethnicity
