Congo's Political Crisis

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Questions and Answers

What is a cornerstone of capitalism according to liberalism?

Planned economy

Strong hold on citizens' lives

Freedom (correct)

Revolution

What is a characteristic of communism according to Marx?

The state provides limited resources

Self-determination and democracy

Revolutions as 'locomotives of history' (correct)

Freedom to have your own property

In a communist system, what happens to the money you earn?

You give a portion to the state

You can keep it all to yourself

It's divided equally among citizens

You give everything to the state (correct)

What is a key difference between liberalism and communism regarding property?

Liberalism allows for private ownership, while communism does not Signup and view all the answers

How does communism approach religion?

It suppresses religious expression Signup and view all the answers

In a liberal system, what is the relationship between an individual's profession and their income?

Income is dependent on profession Signup and view all the answers

Who dismissed Lumumba from his position as prime minister?

Kasavubu Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the UN troops being attacked by Katangan mercenaries?

The UN troops retaliated and seized Elizabethville and Jadotville Signup and view all the answers

Who was installed as PM in July 1961 with the support of the US?

Cyrille Adoula Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Lumumba's request to the Soviets for intervention?

Lumumba lost international support and support within his own government Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Mobutu stage a military coup for the second time?

1965 Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the conflict between the UN troops and Katangan mercenaries?

The Katangan mercenaries were defeated Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the Communist Simba rebellion in 1964?

The leader is not specified in the text Signup and view all the answers

Where was Lumumba executed?

Katanga Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the potential risks of an all-out invasion of Cuba or a nuclear attack?

Soviet retaliation Signup and view all the answers

What was the advantage of the naval quarantine around Cuba?

It was not too aggressive and would not risk immediate Soviet retaliation Signup and view all the answers

What was the proposal made by Khrushchev in his private letter to JFK?

The removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba in exchange for guarantees that the Americans would not invade Cuba Signup and view all the answers

Why did JFK decide not to publicly agree to Khrushchev's demand to remove American missiles from Turkey?

Because it would have been seen as a concession to the Soviets Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the crisis in terms of the hotline between Moscow and Washington?

It was established Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the crisis in terms of Khrushchev's position?

He was humiliated and his position was weakened Signup and view all the answers

Why did JFK decide to respond to Khrushchev's private letter?

To show strength and avoid concessions Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the American missiles in Turkey?

They were removed as part of the deal with the Soviets Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the USA and USSR avoided direct confrontation during the Cold War?

Fear of the use of atomic bombs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the geographic division between East and West during the Cold War?

Iron Curtain Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary feature of the Cold War?

Clash of ideologies Signup and view all the answers

Why did the USSR and USA engage in proxy wars during the Cold War?

To avoid direct conflict Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the atomic bomb on the Cold War?

It pushed the USSR to increase their military strategy Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the competition between the USA and USSR during the Cold War?

To show superiority through economic production and technological advance Signup and view all the answers

Why did the USA and USSR engage in a competition for new adherents during the Cold War?

To spread their ideologies Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the geographic division during the Cold War?

It divided Europe into East and West Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Soviet Union unable to veto the UN resolution?

The Soviet Union boycotted the UNSC due to a disagreement over China's government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the US in the Korean War?

To prevent a communist takeover at all costs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the invasion in the north during the Korean War?

Many Northern troops were cut off and UN troops advanced quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What was created as a result of the armistice in the Korean War?

A demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the North Korean prisoners not want to return to North Korea?

They were afraid of persecution by the communist government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Korean War in the context of the Cold War?

It was the first military confrontation of the Cold War. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Korean War on Europe?

It ensured that Europe remained safe and unaffected. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the conflict in Korea before it became internationalized?

An internal, Korean problem. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of people in Europe after World War II?

Social justice and social mobility Signup and view all the answers

Why did elites make efforts to prevent social change?

To maintain the pre-war social order Signup and view all the answers

What did people expect from their governments after WWII?

Social justice and social mobility Signup and view all the answers

Why did the idea of social justice and security appeal to people?

Due to the destruction of factories and loss of lives Signup and view all the answers

What did people want from their governments in addition to security?

Social justice and social mobility Signup and view all the answers

What was a concern for those in power after WWII?

The potential for a new war Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of NATO's creation?

To show a common determination and to stabilize the economy Signup and view all the answers

Which country joined NATO in 1955?

West Germany Signup and view all the answers

What was the Soviet Union's response to the creation of NATO?

They saw it as a threat to their security Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Berlin Blockade?

It led to the creation of NATO Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the U2 spy plane that discovered the launch sites in Cuba?

To gather intelligence on the Soviet missile installations Signup and view all the answers

What was the treaty signed in 1949?

The NATO treaty Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the crisis in terms of the hotline between Moscow and Washington?

It led to the establishment of a direct hotline between the two leaders Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of NATO's collective defense?

An attack on one member is an attack on all members Signup and view all the answers

What was Khrushchev's demand in his private letter to JFK?

To publicly agree to remove American missiles from Turkey Signup and view all the answers

Why did Western governments create NATO?

To bring political and economic stability to Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was the most perilous passage of the Cold War?

The Cuban Missile Crisis Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of NATO's creation on the Soviet Union?

It made them feel threatened Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the crisis in terms of Khrushchev's position?

He was removed from power Signup and view all the answers

Why did JFK decide not to publicly agree to Khrushchev's demand?

Because he wanted to avoid appearing weak Signup and view all the answers

What was the advantage of the naval quarantine around Cuba?

It was a more restrained option than air strikes Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the failed invasion of the Bay of Pigs?

A larger crisis involving both superpowers Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Congress Party become a Hindu Party?

Because of the influence of Mohammed Ali Jinnah's Muslim League Signup and view all the answers

What was British Prime Minister Attlee's stance on Indian independence?

He was in favour of Indian independence Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed as the viceroy to secure Indian independence?

Mountbatten Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the large-scale population transfers between India and Pakistan?

Large-scale bloodshed Signup and view all the answers

Why did the British empire's strategy change after India became independent?

Because they wanted to accept independence and cooperate with moderates Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of India becoming independent?

It marked the beginning of the end of the British empire Signup and view all the answers

Why did the British empire lose control over other colonies after India became independent?

Because India's independence inspired other colonies to demand independence Signup and view all the answers

What was the sequence of events after India became independent?

Ceylon became independent in 1948, followed by Burma in 1948 Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the crisis for Khrushchev and the Soviets?

A humiliation and loss of face Signup and view all the answers

What was the motivation behind the installation of the Hotline between Moscow and Washington?

To avoid future escalations and nuclear war Signup and view all the answers

What was a major concern for the Soviet Union after the crisis?

The bridging of the missile gap with the Americans Signup and view all the answers

Why did Khrushchev decide to install missiles in Cuba?

To protect the Castro regime from American invasion Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the crisis for the Soviet Union's domestic politics?

It marked the beginning of the end for Khrushchev Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Soviet nuclear submarine incident?

It highlighted the risk of nuclear war Signup and view all the answers

What was the perception of Kennedy among the Soviets?

A weak and inexperienced president Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the crisis in terms of the nuclear arms race?

It accelerated the nuclear arms race Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Lumumba's request to the Soviets for intervention?

He lost international support and also support within his own government Signup and view all the answers

Who played a significant role in the assassination of Patrice Lumumba?

The United States Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the conflict between the UN troops and Katangan mercenaries?

The UN troops retaliated and seized Elizabethville and Jadotville Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Cyrille Adoula's government?

To end the Katangan secession Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Mobutu's second military coup?

It solidified Mobutu's grip on power Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Katangan secession?

It was ended by the UN troops Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the United States in the Congo Crisis?

It installed Cyrille Adoula as PM Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Cold War in the Congo Crisis?

It led to the installation of pro-Western regimes Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the UN troops' march on the Katangan mining towns of Jadotville and Kolwezi?

The capture of the towns signaled the end of secession in Katanga. Signup and view all the answers

What was the characteristic of changing American policy in the less developed world during the Cold War?

Encouraging the imposition of pro-Western regimes regardless of local populations' opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the chaos and disorder in Congo after gaining independence on 30 June 1960?

Lack of preparation and administrative capacity Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Congolese government ask for assistance from the United States?

To address the violence between different ethnic groups Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of General Mobutu's return to power in 1965?

The country was ruled by a military strongman with brutal repression. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Lumumba's request to the Soviet Union for intervention?

The Soviet Union provided military aid Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between the Tutsi minority and the Hutu majority in Ruanda-Urundi under Belgian rule?

The Tutsi minority ruled over the Hutu majority. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the capture of the Union Minière du Haut Katanga installations?

It signaled the end of secession in Katanga. Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the United Nations to the Congolese government's request for assistance?

The UN sent a command force and withdrew Belgian troops Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the election of Patrice Lumumba's Mouvement National Congolais (MNC) in May 1960?

It resulted in the independence of Congo on 30 June 1960 Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the United States in General Mobutu's return to power in 1965?

The US backed Mobutu's military coup. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the conflict between the UN troops and Katangan mercenaries?

The Katangan mercenaries were defeated and the UN troops seized control of Elizabethville. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the United States fear the success of Lumumba's government?

Because it would lead to the spread of communism in Africa Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War in the less developed world?

Preserving the values of capitalism and communism. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the conflict between the Congolese government and the secessionist provinces?

The conflict led to the downfall of Lumumba's government Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Soviet Union's decision to send military advisors to Congo?

It resulted in the downfall of Lumumba's government Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congo's Political Turmoil

Kasavubu dismisses Lumumba as Prime Minister in 1960
Mobutu takes over the government and places Lumumba under house arrest
Lumumba is eventually assassinated in Katanga in January 1961
The US installs Cyrille Adoula as PM in July 1961

Ending Katanga Secession

UN troops are attacked, leading to a retaliatory response
The UN seizes Elizabethville and Jadotville in 1963
The conflict leads to the end of Katanga secession

Cold War and Ideologies

The Cold War reaches Africa, with the US promoting democracy and the USSR spreading communism
Key features of the Cold War include:
- Geographic divisions (e.g., Iron Curtain)
- Competition for new adherents
- Showcasing economic production and technological advancements
- Importance of ideologies
The Cold War led to a clash of ideas, with the US and USSR competing for influence worldwide

Cuban Missile Crisis

The USSR places missiles in Cuba, prompting a US naval quarantine
Kennedy decides not to invade Cuba, instead opting for a deal to remove Soviet missiles in exchange for a guarantee not to invade the island
The crisis leads to the establishment of a hot line between Moscow and Washington
Consequences include Soviet humiliation, a need to bridge the missile gap, and the beginning of the end for Khrushchev

Korean War

The Korean War is an example of containment, with the US preventing a communist takeover at all costs
The war leads to a stalemate along the 38th parallel, with the establishment of a demilitarized zone (DMZ)
The conflict marks the first military confrontation of the Cold War, with international implications

Europe after WWII

Demand for social justice and social mobility increased after WWII, as people sought more from their governments
Communist ideas appealed to many, leading to a challenge to the pre-war social order
Elites made efforts to prevent social change, linking ideology to security concerns

Division of Germany

Bundesrepublik Deutschland (BRD) was established in West Germany with the support of the Allies on May 23, 1949, with its capital in Bonn
Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR) was established in East Germany with the support of the USSR on October 7, 1949, with its capital in Berlin

NATO and European Security

NATO was established in 1949 as a collective defense alliance aimed at stabilizing the economy and showing a common determination to defend against the Soviet Union
The organization was formed in response to fears of a Soviet invasion, which Western governments did not believe was a realistic option
NATO's main goal was to bring political and economic stability to Europe, and to reassure investors that the region was safe from Soviet aggression

Enlargement of NATO

Initially, only four countries joined NATO after its creation: Greece and Turkey in 1952, West Germany in 1955, and Spain in 1982
The inclusion of West Germany in NATO marked a shift in considering the Soviet Union as the main threat to European security instead of Germany

Indian Independence and the British Empire

India became independent in August 1947, in an unseemly rush managed by a British plenipotentiary
The British accepted Indian independence to cooperate with moderates rather than loosening control to radicals
This marked the beginning of the end for British colonial rule, as other colonies began to demand independence

The Cuban Missile Crisis

In April 1962, the Soviet Union secretly deployed nuclear MRBM and IRBM missiles in Cuba
On October 16, 1962, a U2 spy plane discovered the launch sites, leading to a deep crisis between the US and the Soviet Union
The US considered three options: air strikes, invasion, and naval quarantine, ultimately choosing the third option
The crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, leading to the installation of a direct hotline between Moscow and Washington

Soviet Motivations behind the Cuban Missiles

The Soviet Union installed missiles in Cuba to ensure Cuban security and to counterbalance the perceived US threat
Khrushchev's motives also included domestic considerations, such as pressure from critics and the need to bridge the missile gap with the Americans
The crisis led to a nuclear arms race and ultimately contributed to Khrushchev's downfall

Congo Crisis

Patrice Lumumba's government faced problems, and he requested Soviet intervention, losing international support and support within his own government.
On 5 September 1960, President Kasavubu dismissed Lumumba as prime minister.
Mobutu took control, placing Lumumba under house arrest, and later, Lumumba was executed in Katanga in January 1961.
The US installed Cyrille Adoula as PM in July 1961, with CIA bribes ensuring his election.

Ending Katanga Secession

UN troops were attacked by Katangan mercenaries, and Indian UN troops retaliated, seizing control of Elizabethville and Jadotville in 1963.
The capture of Katangan mining towns, including the Union Minière du Haut Katanga installations, signaled the end of secession.

Cold War and American Policy

By 1964, major parts of the country were controlled by the communist Simba rebels.
In 1965, General Mobutu returned to power with a military coup backed by the Americans, marking the beginning of brutal repression under a military strongman.
The Cold War became more about preserving capitalist values than promoting democracy.

Ruanda-Urundi

Ruanda-Urundi was previously part of German East Africa, coming under Belgian mandate after 1924.
The Belgians relied on existing social power structures, where a Tutsi minority ruled over the Hutu majority.
Rwanda gained independence on 1 July 1962, with a local election won by MDR–Parmehutu in 1960.
In 1973, Juvénal Habyarimana staged a coup in Rwanda, installing a one-party system.

Congo's Independence

Congo gained independence on 30 June 1960, with the Mouvement National Congolais (MNC) of Patrice Lumumba winning the general elections.
The country lacked preparedness and administrative capacity, leading to chaos and disorder.
The province of Katanga proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960, followed by South Kasai on 8 August 1961.
The Congolese government asked for help from the US, UN, and then the Soviets, leading to the involvement of UN troops and Soviet military advisors.

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Description

This quiz covers the tumultuous period in Congo's history, including the rise and fall of Lumumba, Mobutu's takeover, and the end of Katanga secession. Test your knowledge of this critical phase in African politics.