Congo Crisis (sep 12, 1960 – sep 12, 1960)

Description:

Former colony of King Leopold II (very bad people) of Belgium

Millions died over time (forced into slavery on rubber plantations)

WWII brings nationalist movements

1960: Independence gained --> 1960 is the year of Africa (many African countries get independence)

Belgium leaves but doesn't leave resources behind for Congo

Patrice Lumumba elected first PM --> reaches out to the USSR for advice

Eisenhower + the CIA stage a coup to replace Lumumba with Joseph Mobutu --> sparks a civil war, many die, but Mobutu wins with US support

Similar to the Shah & Arbenz, Mobutu sets himself up as a dictator and democracy fails


Lasting effects:
- very poor
- other countries try to exploit it
- biggest export = cobalt --> big cobalt reserves that are child slave labor products

****economic crisis ever since Mobutu

Added to timeline:

Date: