Patrice Lumumba was assassinated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in January 1961, less than 7 months after taking office as prime minister of the newly independent country. This lesson explores the complexities of Congo's situation after independence from Belgium and the international forces that may have played a part in Lumumba's assassination. Students read several primary and secondary source accounts in order to answer the question: Why was Patrice Lumumba assassinated?
[Teacher Materials updated on 10/30/14.]
Image: Photo of Patrice Lumumba speaking with supporters in his effort to regain office, taken in Leopoldville, Congo, on October 15, 1960. From the Library of Congress.