This document entails a thorough selection of questions, concepts and answers on the IEB History Topic: Independent Africa. This includes notes on Congo, Tanzania & Angola.
Using these notes, I achieved a Top 5% National ranking in the 2023 final examinations, with a History average of 88%.
CONGO
What did the Belgian rule of Congo Deliberately excluded African
mean for Congolese people? participation in the political system.
Denied Congolese access to skilled and
management positions in commerce.
Its education policy restricted
Congolese access to secondary and
higher education.
Stifled the formation of a strong sense
of national identity, or of Congolese
nationalism.
Why has Congolese history between 5 days after Independence Day, the
1960 to 1966 been characterised by army mutinied.
great uncertainty and a lack of stability? A week later, Katanga seceded from the
new Republic.
Jan 1961, Patrice Lumumba was
tortured + murdered.
Repeated rebellions in N + E of the
country until Joseph Desire Mobutu
seized power (1965) -> renamed
country: Zaire. During his rule, Zaire
became corrupt.
Secede To withdraw formally from membership
of a federal union, an alliance, or a
political or religious organisation.
What is the symbolism of the blue and Symbolic of Congolese independence.
yellow flag? Was first flown in 1960, when Congo
gained independence from Belgium.
How did the Congo attain independence Belgium was caught off guard (early
from Belgium? 1959) -> incidents of unrest and
violence broke out.
Belgians responded by holding free
elections -> farce -> Congolese
boycotted them.
Uprisings led to negotiations (round
table conference in Brussels (1960)),
in which new elections were decided
upon + independence to follow.
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,Auerello Matthaeus Pillay History 12 – Mrs Harvey
Independence was granted on 30 June
1960, after free party elections.
Who were the main leaders of the Patrice Lumumba.
Congo who attended the round table Joseph Kasavubu.
conference in Jan 1960? Moise Tshombe.
What was the significance of the 1960 Marked 1st time in Congolese history
round table conference? that Belgian authorities consulted
with Congolese about events
concerning their country.
Decision made that new elections were
to be held, and independence to follow.
MNC National Congolese Movement ->
largest party in the assembly.
Who was Prime Minister in the coalition Lumumba
government of Congo (and from the
MNC)?
Who was Lumumba’s rival and Kasavubu
president of Congo?
What were some flaws in the granting of Belgium handed over independence
Congolese independence? without having done anything to
prepare the Congolese for change.
Belgium didn’t allow for satisfactory
resolution regarding differences of
opinion on constitutional issues; e.g.
Lumumba supported national
government; Kasavubu supported
federation based on ethnicity.
How did Belgium maintain economic Manipulating UN.
control of Congo? Mercenaries.
Still controlled and worked through
mining groups in the Congo.
Threats, bribes + open political
pressure.
Neo-colonialism Use of economic or cultural influence to
exert control over a former colony.
What were 3 of Congo’s most valuable Main=Copper (in Katanga).
resources? Cobalt.
Industrial diamonds.
Why was Congo a pawn in Cold War? Had strategic metals such as uranium.
What was the major reason for conflict Country’s vast mineral wealth.
and wars in Congo?
What was Patrice Lumumba’s vision for Complete independence + complete
the Congo? control over Congolese resources so
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,Auerello Matthaeus Pillay History 12 – Mrs Harvey
they can enhance living conditions of
Congolese, fought for social justice;
reformer -> all institutions to be
democratised -> goal = gradual
Africanisation + development; strong
centralised state -> he championed
Pan-Africanism.
What challenges did Lumumba face in Some Congolese leaders didn’t share
achieving this vision? Lumumba’s vision of united Congo w/
strong central gov. E.g.: Kasavubu
believed in a federation of states
based on ethnicity; Moise Tshombe
wanted a loose federation of states ->
Tshombe backed by Belgian mining
magnates in Katanga. Congolese
preferred to support ethnic leaders ->
Lumumba didn’t have much support
nationally nor int.
Moise Tshombe African leader in the Belgian Congo.
Founded the Conakat political party ->
advocated an independent but loosely
federal Congo.
He took part in talks that led to
Congolese independence in 1960, but
then declared the province of Katanga
independent of the rest of the country.
He maintained his position as self‐
styled President of Katanga (1960–
63) with the help of white mercenaries
and the support of the Belgian mining
company, Union Minière. Briefly
Prime Minister of the Congo Republic
(1964–65), he was accused of the
murder of Lumumba, and of corruptly
rigging the elections of 1965, and fled
the country when General Mobutu
seized power.
In 1967, he was kidnapped and taken to
Algeria, where he died in prison.
Why did political analysts justify their Became involved in anti-colonial
admiration for Lumumba? struggles of Congo, very enthusiastic
freedom fighter; only leader w/ ideal of
national unity -> unyielding devotion of
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, Auerello Matthaeus Pillay History 12 – Mrs Harvey
united Congo; could have held Congo
together + prevented the foreign nations
from exploiting the resources; bold +
decisive leader; tremendous course +
dignity.
Why did political analysts condemn His lack of experience contributed to
Lumumba? perceived errors of judgement, e.g.,
making speech that criticised
Belgium at Independence Day
celebrations -> turned Belgium against
Congo.
In turning to USSR for assistance,
gave West impression he was pro-
communist.
What were positives of Mobutu Sese He aimed at promoting national unity
Seko? + pride in Zairean identity + culture.
What were some questionable things of Got rid of all political parties except
the dictator, Mobutu? his party, the Popular Movement of the
Revolution (MPR) -> paved way to win
1970 election (7-year term).
Suppressed many human rights and
his enemies -> used intelligence
agencies to keep him advised about
anyone who posed a threat.
MPR Popular Movement of the Revolution
What name did Mobutu adopt? Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku wa za Banga
-> means: “all-conquering warrior
who goes from triumph to triumph”
What were the negative aspects of Zaire involved in neighbouring
Mobutu’s rule? Angola’s Civil War, supported losing
faction.
Ordinary Zaireans lives didn’t improve.
Mismanagement of funds +
corruption. ‘kleptocracy’-> bribery is
only way to do get things done.
Unseated Lumumba from power + was
instrumental in decision to hand over
Lumumba to Katanga regime.
Kleptocracy
Mobutism International press coined Mobutu’s cult
of personality.
Following Mobutu’s teachings became
like a national religion.
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