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Congolese win independence from the Belgian Empire, 1959-60

Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Time period
May, 1959 to May, 1960
Classification
Change
Cluster
Democracy
National/Ethnic Identity
Total points
9 out of 10 points
Name of researcher, and date dd/mm/yyyy
David Zhou, 12/03/2012

In the 1950s, revolution was brewing in the Belgian Congo. Africans living in colonized countries felt the winds of change swirling as their mother countries in Europe struggled to stand back up after suffering often devastating defeats in World War II, championing the ideal self determination and freedom while continuing to oppress their colonies.

Zairian citizens initiate general strike to force dictator’s resignation (Dead City Strike), 1997

Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Zaire
Time period
April 14, 1997 to May 16, 1997
Classification
Change
Cluster
Democracy
Total points
5 out of 10 points
Name of researcher, and date dd/mm/yyyy
Julio Alicea 26/09/2010

Mobutu Sese Seko became the president of Zaire in 1965. Mobutu’s presidency began after serving as a Chief of Staff of the Congolese Army during the Congo Crisis, which started off as a war of independence from Belgium. Soon after becoming president, Mobutu established an authoritarian government with a new constitution and a one political party system.