| Popis: |
Certain aspects of practicing American history in the Congo are closely linked to variations in Congo-United States relations. After the extremely friendly 1960-1963 period came open confrontation from 1964 to 1977, truce from 1978 to 1986, and friendship again in 1987. The Congolese Revolution of August 13-15, 1963, laid the foundation for a socialist regime. Before then, the Congo and the United States had together considered the Soviet Union a permanent threat; overnight, the United States became responsible for all the world's evils, particularly in Vietnam, where its bombs were killing innocent Third World people. Demonstrations were organized in the principal towns of the Congo to condemn American imperialism; Francophone Congolese shouted in English, "Yankee go home!" Though no official diplomatic break occurred, the Americans thought it safer to leave the revolutionists alone with their Soviet and Chinese friends. Not until 1978 did Congolese authorities stop using American imperialism, a term that was replaced by international imperialism. The practice of American history in such varied situations is dependent on different ideologies, which can make the Congo appear as (1) an African country, (2) a Third World Marxist-Leninist country, or (3) a country like any other one. To these challenges, the Americanist must add technical difficulties such as documentation. |
