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The Congo Crisis 1960-61

The Congo Crisis 1960-61. In Convulsion. Mid – Century -Sudden emergence of 30 new African Nations. Part of International “Decolonizing” Independence “thrust” upon them Many of the inhabitants still bound by tribal loyalties Poorly prepared for self government. In Convulsion.

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The Congo Crisis 1960-61

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  1. The Congo Crisis1960-61

  2. In Convulsion • Mid – Century -Sudden emergence of 30 new African Nations. • Part of International “Decolonizing” • Independence “thrust” upon them • Many of the inhabitants still bound by tribal loyalties • Poorly prepared for self government

  3. In Convulsion • Along with newly created Asian States formed a potent Afro-Asia Block • May 1963 – numbered 58 • US was now in danger of being outvoted by the “Tower of Babble” • The once Belgian-Congo turned into a storm which threatened the super powers • Possibly into World War III

  4. In Convulsion • The Belgians faced with violence forced to give this huge area independence • June 30, 1960

  5. In Convulsion • No political leaders, structure, nor stability • Produced and “Orgy” of violence • Belgians halted their withdrawal and sent in additional troops. • The new Congolese Premier, Patrice Lumumba, a former postal clerk, appealed to the UN for help!

  6. In Convulsion • The Premier threatened to seek help from Moscow if the UN did not send help ASAP • The Soviets who already had agents in the Congo voted with the US and other Security Council members in supporting a resolution to remove the Belgians. • A neutral UN force (about 20,000) moved in.

  7. In Convulsion • The Congo was economic as well as political • Katanga Province was rich in copper, cobalt, etc. • A veritable “gold mine” for Belgian and other investors • “They” wanted to continue making money in Katanga.

  8. In Convulsion • “They encourages a separatist movement under Moise Tshombe • Formerly seceded July 1960 • The Congo, resource poor could not exist on its own • The objective of the UN to get Katanga to confederate • Washington supported this

  9. In Convulsion • The fear was that further fragmentation would invite further colonialism • When this failed the UN engaged in ferocious battles. • No always winning against Katanganese forces commanded by Belgian and other “white” mercenaries

  10. The UN Fights for Peace • The after voting for intervention now aginst it • Their agents run out and the pro-communist Lumumba murdered • The Soviets refused to pay their share of the very heavy costs • UN came close to bankruptcy

  11. The UN Fights for Peace • Only an emergency bond authorization of $200 million and a US guarantee to purchase up to $100 million averted disaster • The UN’s Katanga venture arouse biting criticism in the US by conservative republicans • The multi-national force was to police the peace, not break it, avert war, and not make it!

  12. The UN Fights for Peace • the USA policy changed with the change of administration, Eisenhower’s being less sympathetic to UN efforts, Kennedy’s more. • The Kennedy Admin. Backed the UN and the Congolese govt. for one final push at unification • A protracted conflict would bankrupt both the UN and the Congo • A speedy delivery of US military supplies to the UN spurred them on. • January, 1962 Tsombe was crushed

  13. The UN Fights for Peace • The Congo Government could expect stronger support • The UN prestige rose. • A victory for world order • Scars remained, unification elusive • Especially alarming was the continued refusal of Russian and France to contribute to peace in the Congo

  14. Homework • November 2003 SBQ – The Congo Crisis 1960-61 – Core sheet and be prepared to finish at my discretion • Check for revisions in reading assignments

  15. Class Assignment • Using any sources at your disposal, you will identify the significance as it relates to Arab/Israeli conflict. Be mindful of the effects these events have on the United States and the Soviet Union • Creation of the State of Israel, Suez Crisis, The 6 Day War, The Yom Kippur War, Israeli Egyptian Peace treaty 1979 and it was based on the 1978 Camp David Accords. 1970 war of Attrition

  16. Class Assignment • Cont. • Additional factors which continue the conflict; The Palestinian Refugee Problem, Non recognition of the State of Israel, Israeli invasion of Lebanon 1982, the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights (Syria)

  17. In Conclusion • Be Prepared for a lively discussion and creative endeavor which you will ALL participate in. NEXT CLASS • And I leave you with this… • L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace

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