A lesson by: Mr. Zack Siegel, A.A., B.A and Mr. Jerad Koepp, B.A... Introduction to Colonial and Neo-Colonial Africa Through the History of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Pre-Assessment You will need a pencil and paper 5 Minute Independent Writing: What do you know about colonialism in Africa? What is it? How are the United States and Europe involved. Is it still going on?

Compare and Share Turn to the partner to your right and compare your responses. You may address some of the following topics: -what did you have in common? -what was different? -why do you think your reflections were similar/different?

Class Reflection Use this opportunity to share your findings.

Colonialism exploitation by a stronger country of weaker one; the use of the weaker country's resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country The control of one nation by “transplanted” people of another nation — often a geographically distant nation that has a different culture and dominant racial or ethnic group.

Neo-Colonialism the policy of a strong nation in seeking political and economic hegemony over an independent nation or extended geographical area without necessarily reducing the subordinate nation or area to the legal status of a colony. A policy whereby a major power uses economic and political means to perpetuate or extend its influence over underdeveloped nations or areas: "Strong elements of neocolonialism persist in the economic relations of the rich and poor countries"

Movie Reflections What do you see? What’s happening to your feelings? Relate it to your life. Why do we face these problems? What can we do about it?

Congo Video Due to graphic content viewer discretion is advised

King Leopold II of Belgium "It is a question of creating a new state, as big as possible, and of running it. It is clearly understood that in this project there is no question of granting the slightest political power to the Negroes. That would be absurd." -1878

Over the next 23 years Léopold will amass a huge personal fortune by exploiting the Congo directly and by leasing concessions to private companies prepared to pay him 50% of their profits. The period will witness some of the worst atrocities ever committed on the African continent. However, Léopold will never visit the region, ruling instead by decree from Belgium.

Patrice Lumumba 2 July 1925 – 17 January 1961 was an African anti-colonial leader and the first legally elected Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo after he helped to win its independence from Belgium in June Assassinated by the Central Intelligence Agency continues to serve as a significant inspirational figure in the Congo as well as throughout Africa.

Mobutu Sese Seko October 14, 1930 – September 7, Dictator of Congo for 32 years. changed the Congo's name to Zaïre in Amassed a huge personal fortune through economic exploitation and corruption. May, 1997, rebel forces led by Laurent Kabila expelled him from the country.

Resource War Commodities as the roots of war: Cobalt Copper Coltan Diamonds tin Petroleum Silver Zinc Manganese Uranium Coal

Lingering Effects of Colonialism The political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains unstable, arguably a legacy of Léopold's regime and of the decades of Belgium colonial rule that followed. Corruption and violence appears to be entrenched. Cases of rape, torture, executions and cannibalism are widely reported. The International Rescue Committee estimates that 4.7 million people have died through famine and warfare since 1997.

You Will Need: Your Perspective Card Newspaper Form Pen or Pencil

Newspaper Activity Using your perspective card imagine: That you live in DRC after colonial rule. Exploitation experiences under Mobutu. What are your views of the elections? What are your views towards historical involvement of outsiders? What are your hopes for the future?

Your Ticket to Leave On a piece of paper, briefly address these questions: What did you learn today? What do you still want to learn? How can you relate this to what your already know? Thank you for learning today!