Question

List and describe two long term impacts for Congo due to Belgian occupation, as stated or implied by the documentary. These long term impacts can stretch far past WW I in terms of textbook reading, so stick simply with what you see in the documentary and what reason could logically deduce.

Answer 1

Belgium occupied Congo for major materials which were then transported back to Belgium. The indigenous population was exploited for belgians own benefits and this resulted in the backlash and resulting independence in 1964. The long term impact for Congo due to Belgian occupation was that a large class of people stayed middle class and major overhaul was required to empower the native population after the independence. This resulted in large scale expenditure and investment, which was borrowed. Most of the resources were used by Belgium for their own personal gain, which resulted in large scale exploitation. In a way it stunted economic development and prevented the creation of political institutions.

Congo was famous for rubber production and ivory, Belgians concentrated on such industries and other sectors crumpled. This led to long term impact wherein Congo was not able to prosper in other fields and sectors and most of the investment was done for rubber and ivory which were exported. This dented their chances and they had to start from scratch to make other industries prosper as well.