Congo Colonialism DEBATE: wHAT SHOULD bRITAIN DO ABOUT THE SITUATION IN THE cONGO

CLICK HERE FOR SLIDES- Background and daily tasks

The Gist of the problem:

The Agreement signed by the major European Powers in 1885 to "manage" the Scramble for Africa" in Berlin, Belgium's King Leopold II named his new territory "The Congo Free State." The new govt. issued a decree to take "vacant" lands from villages and towns. The difficult task of administering this law led Leopold to borrow money, which he was unable to adequately do. He faced opposition from the local populations, often leading to complete takeovers by Leopold's govt. More and more resistance took place as more Europeans made their way inland. Stories of abuse against the indigenous workers in the CFS prompted Britain to take action.

THE TASK: Debate Process

Discuss this in the option groups!

"Options in Brief"-

Read to get an understanding of all the available options

STUDENT DOCUMENTS:

Day 1: Role selection and prep (see "Considering Your Option" for roles)

Part II: The Congo "Free" State- handout and w.s.- beginning of class 3/11
Optional but suggested reading: "Scramble for Africa" Section:. See related slides for bulleted version if time is limited.
Optional: Introduction: debate background- Part 1 Congo . Read for more background. Main points covered in class.

Day 2: Role prep- 1st 15-20 min. DEBATE DAY: "June 9, 1904: The Moment of Decision"

Supplementary documents: Group Directors, skim these and assign as appropriate to the other group members depending on their role. Selections from the 1885 Berlin Act.

new! congo reform association LINK

Helpful documents (esp. for HR role):

Testimonies (quotes from a variety of affected peoples)

SHARED GOOGLE FOLDER FOR ALL OPTION GROUP DOCUMENTS (see list for separate documents below)

OPTION GROUP QUESTIONS: If you have one of the four major roles (Director, FP, HR, Econ.), read over the option for your group (1, 2 or 3) and look over the "Beliefs and Assumptions," along with the "Arguments" in support. This will help you prepare your opening remarks and stance. Also, complete the paper handout "Considering your Option."

Undecided Members of Parliament (MP) Assn.- paper handout (see links for helpful documents)

Option notes (more detailed) including beliefs and arguments. Read to strengthen arguments and MPs- to gather info. to create questions for each member of the groups.