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Explain to what extent Tanzania was more successful than the Congo in addressing the political, economic and social challenges that confronted them after attaining independence in the early 1960s - NSC History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
Explain to what extent Tanzania was more successful than the Congo in addressing the political, economic and social challenges that confronted them after attaining i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain to what extent Tanzania was more successful than the Congo in addressing the political, economic and social challenges that confronted them after attaining independence in the early 1960s - NSC History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Political challenges
Answer
Tanzania and the Congo faced significant political challenges following their independence in the early 1960s.
In both countries, the leadership adopted a one-party state model, with leaders like Julius Nyerere in Tanzania and Mobutu Sese Seko in the Congo. While Nyerere's government emphasized national unity and encouraged Africanisation, Mobutu's regime was characterized by kleptocracy.
Neither country allowed free and fair multi-party elections, creating an environment where dissent was suppressed. In Tanzania, there was less political upheaval compared to the Congo, which experienced ongoing civil strife and factional rivalries.
Overall, Tanzania was more successful in establishing political stability, promoting a singular national identity, and avoiding the catastrophic violence experienced in the Congo.
Step 2
Economic challenges
Answer
Economically, both nations struggled with the legacies of colonialism, inheriting economies reliant on single products.
Tanzania adopted policies of economic self-reliance and nationalization that sought to redistribute resources more equitably among its citizens. Nyerere introduced the concept of Ujamaa, promoting collective agriculture and community development.
In contrast, the Congo continued to rely heavily on foreign capital and exploitation of its resources, leading to increased stagnation and economic dependency.
Despite facing economic pressures, Tanzania's approach was more sustainable in the long run, as it aimed to build a self-sufficient economy.
Step 3
Social challenges
Answer
In terms of social challenges, both countries had to deal with education systems that were predominantly Eurocentric.
Tanzania made strides by promoting Swahili as the national language, whereas the Congo maintained a French educational system, which limited access for many. Nyerere's 'Education for Self-Reliance' aimed to increase literacy and practical skills among primary school students, affecting a significant portion of the population.
On the other hand, the Congo struggled with profound educational deficiencies, having inherited a lack of qualified professionals and infrastructure. Overall, Tanzania showed greater progress in its educational reforms and accessibility.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while both countries faced similar challenges, Tanzania demonstrated a higher degree of success in addressing political stability, economic resilience, and educational reform. The success of Tanzania's policies in fostering national unity and equitable development offered a counter-narrative to the Congo's political instability and economic turmoil. Thus, Tanzania's post-independence achievements highlight its relative success in overcoming the challenges that emerged in the early 1960s.