Congo overview

Question 1

Who controlled the Congo between 1878 and 1959?

Answer 1

Belgium controlled the Congo between 1878 and 1959.

Question 2

What were the main economic resources exploited in the Congo under Belgian colonial rule?

Answer 2

Rubber, cotton, copper, tin, and diamonds were the main economic resources exploited.

Question 3

How many people are estimated to have died under King Leopold’s rule in the Congo?

Answer 3

Nearly 10 million people died under King Leopold’s rule (1885–1908).

Question 4

What was the educational system like in the Belgian Congo?

Answer 4

There were few secondary schools and no higher education. In 1960, there were only 30 university graduates in a population of 14 million.

Question 5

What was the state of political opportunities for Africans under Belgian rule?

Answer 5

There were no political opportunities for Africans, and political parties were banned

Question 6

What led to the violent protests in the Congo in 1959?

Answer 6

The violent protests in 1959 were due to unemployment, discrimination, overcrowding, and frustration with the Belgian colonial rule.

Question 7

When did the Congo gain political independence?

Answer 7

The Congo gained political independence on 30 June 1960.

Question 8

Who became the first Prime Minister of the Congo after independence?

Answer 8

Patrice Lumumba became the first Prime Minister.

Question 9

Who was the first President of the Congo after independence?

Answer 9

Joseph Kasavubu became the first President.

Question 10

What event caused the military mutiny in the Congo on July 5, 1960?

Answer 10

The military mutiny was caused by Congolese soldiers rebelling against their Belgian officers.

Question 11

Which two provinces attempted to secede shortly after independence in 1960?

Answer 11

The provinces of Katanga and Kasai attempted to secede.

Question 12

Who led the secession of Katanga?

Answer 12

Moise Tshombe led the secession of Katanga.

Question 13

Which superpower did Patrice Lumumba appeal to for help during the secession crisis?

Answer 13

Patrice Lumumba appealed to the USSR (Soviet Union) for help.

Question 14

How did the United States respond to Soviet involvement in the Congo?

Answer 14

The United States was alarmed and supported efforts to eliminate Lumumba, fearing Soviet influence in Africa.

Question 15

What happened to Patrice Lumumba?

Answer 15

Patrice Lumumba was arrested, and executed by firing squad on 17 January 1961.

Question 16

Who became the dictator of the Congo in 1965?

Answer 16

Joseph Mobutu became the dictator of the Congo in 1965.

Question 17

What new name did Joseph Mobutu give to the Congo in 1971?

Answer 17

Joseph Mobutu renamed the Congo to Zaire in 1971.

Question 18

Why did Mobutu receive substantial support from the United States?

Answer 18

Mobutu was seen as an ally against the USSR during the Cold War, and Zaire had significant mineral wealth.

Question 19

What was the economic state of Zaire under Mobutu’s rule?

Answer 19

Zaire experienced economic mismanagement, corruption, and a collapse of infrastructure, leading to a major economic crisis.

Question 20

What was the Zairianisation policy under Mobutu?

Answer 20

Zairianisation involved nationalizing foreign-owned companies and redistributing wealth among Mobutu’s family and allies.

Question 21

What cultural changes did Mobutu impose on Zaire?

Answer 21

Mobutu promoted Africanisation, renaming towns (e.g., Leopoldville to Kinshasa), requiring Africans to adopt African names, banning Western-style attire, and promoting Congolese music.

Question 22

What was Mobutu’s campaign called to promote national pride in Zaire?

Answer 22

The campaign was called the “Authenticité” campaign.

Question 23

What happened to the education system under Mobutu?

Answer 23

Primary education was prioritized, but it became fee-based. The system favored urban elites, and French remained the medium of instruction.

Question 24

What major infrastructure project did Mobutu invest in during the 1970s?

Answer 24

Mobutu invested in the Inga hydroelectric dam and other industrial projects like a steel mill in Kinshasa.

Question 25

Why was Mobutu’s government considered a kleptocracy?

Answer 25

Mobutu’s government was considered a kleptocracy because it was characterized by widespread corruption and the exploitation of state resources for personal gain.