Assassination of Patrice Lumumba Why was he killed

Assassination of Patrice Lumumba Why was he killed?

Background The central African region know as the Congo was colonized by Belgium in 1908. At the end of WWII the Belgians were well aware of the Congolese nationalist movement and decided that they should exit the region and prepare the people of Congo for self- rule. The Belgian plan called for a 30 year transition period in order to prepare the Congolese for self- rule but the nationalists demanded immediate action. By 1960 the Congo had become independent and Patrice Lumumba became Prime Minister. One year later the country would be thrown into chaos and Lumumba was dead. The question was, why was the Prime Minister of a newly freed nation assassinated?

Directions • • You and your partner are tasked with solving the mystery behind why Patrice Lumumba was assassinated in 1961. Like any good history detective you will need evidence to help solve the case. Your team will be given four documents to help solve the crime. Analyze these documents to determine why Lumumba was assassinated & which evidence is strong or weak for your case.

Directions • • • Like any good detective duo make sure you work together. Once you have sifted through the evidence make your case on the back of the handout to determine why Patrice Lumumba was assassinated! Make sure to submit your case when done.