Imperialism In The Congo Research Paper

Imperialism has been a major factor in world history since the beginning of time. Conquering land, people, resources, and markets has been a goal of many nations. Different conquered nations respond to imperialism in their own individual ways, however similarities can also be found. According to Gondola (2009), in Africa, European influence began in the Congo as Europeans explored the Congo River as a resource and a means of transportation. This was followed by European diplomatic ties with many of the native chiefs in the Congo. Then the Roman Catholic Church moved into the area. As Europeans gained more power in the Congo, the slave trade began to prosper there. (Gondola, 2009) Eventually, King Leopold of Belgium made treaties with over 450 native chiefs through explorer Henry M. Stanley, as indicated by the reference page found on Professor Joseph V. O’Brien’s website. Stanley acquired control of the Congo for Leopold in return for an agreement of assistance and protection for the native
The Congo, however, was able to gain their indepence with less fighting. In both areas, self rule turned out to be difficult for the newly freed nations and much conflict insued. Conflict in Indochina eventually lead to the Vietnam War.

References
Brinkmeyer, L. & Pate, C. (1998). Imperialism in the congo. Retrieved March 12, 2009 from http://asms.k12.ar.us/classes/humanities/worldstud/97-
98/imper/congo/zaire.htm
Gondola, C. D. (2009) Congo (Kinshasa). World Book Student online. Retrieved
March 12, 2009 from http://www.worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar129349&st=the+congo
Herring, G. C. (2009) Indochina. World Book Student online. Retrieved
March 12, 2009 from http://www.worldbookonine.com/student/article?id=ar275440&st=indochina O’Brien, J. V. (n.d.) Stanley’s congo treaty. Retieved March 12, 2009 from