Kongo Flashcards
Reasoning for the rise of Kongo
Matrilineal power structure- Kanda system caused building of relationships
Geography and trade- Kongo river and mbanza which was the capital with good trade links and natural protection
Military factors of Kongo
1665 Batlle of Mbiwa- Use of 360 musketeers shows they had long range weapons
Defensive palisades that protected Mbanza making it difficult to penertrate
Used cavalry which were able to flank their enemy
Economic factors of Kongo
Malebo pool- Norther part of kingdom for trade of copper and slaves
Slavery- Sold slaves to Portugal in Sao Tome which led to overrelience
Afonso I V Joao- 1526 letter used as evidence to show exploitative relationship by Portugal towards Kongo
Political factors of Kongo
Mwissikong- Electroral system within the aristocracy. Voted for the Manikongo
Introduction of catholicism led to downfall of Kanda system as polygamy was outlawed
Grand royal structures showed the wealth and importance of the manikongo
Religious factors of Kongo
Diogo Cao from Portugal introduced Catholicism in 1482 as well as sending ambassadors for the religion. Baptism of Joao showed full adoption
Afonso I won battle in 1506-1509 against cousing making catholicism the state religion
Jesuits from Portugal- Found that by 1603 Kongo was only catholic by name and adoption was not successful
Cultural factors of Kongo
Extremely wealthy and the manikongo wanted to show this- Garcia II on international trips wore lavish clothes
Cloth weaving was very important for Kongolese culture
Syncratism means they pick and choose parts of different religions
European involvement in Kongo
Diplomacy- High ranking members of mwissikongo sent to live in Portugal. Portuguese also sent diplomats to Kongo
3 Luso-Kongo wars between Portugal and Kongo which were all lost by the Kongolese
Battle of Mbwilla in 1665. Destruction by the Portugese weakened the Kongo empire dramatically
Reasons for the fall of Kongo
Batlle of Mbwilla in 1665 severely weakened the kingdom as many titular heads were killed
Lineage V state- Kinlanza v Kimpanzu. Lead to Mbanza kongo being sacked in 1668 and 1678 which further weakend the empire. Internal fueding and civil war
