Katanga 1960-63

Mercenaries, Spies and the African Nation that Waged War on the World

Nonfiction, History, Military, Other, Africa
Cover of the book Katanga 1960-63 by Christopher Othen, The History Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christopher Othen ISBN: 9780750965804
Publisher: The History Press Publication: September 7, 2015
Imprint: The History Press Language: English
Author: Christopher Othen
ISBN: 9780750965804
Publisher: The History Press
Publication: September 7, 2015
Imprint: The History Press
Language: English

The first full account of an African secession that introduced the modern mercenary—and killed the head of the United NationsIn King Leopold II's infamous Congo "Free" State at the turn of the century, severed hands became a form of currency. But the Belgians don't seem to have a sense of historical shame, as they connived for an independent Katanga state in 1960 to protect Belgian mining interests. What happened next was extraordinary. Katanga 1960 tells, for the first time, the full story of the Congolese province that declared independence and found itself at war with the world. The Congo had no intention of allowing the renegade region to secede, and neither did the CIA, the KGB, or the United Nations. It was a fantastically uneven battle. The UN fielded soldiers from twenty nations, America paid the bills, and the Soviets intrigued behind the scenes. Yet to everyone's surprise the new nation's rag-tag army of local gendarmes, jungle tribesmen and, controversially, European mercenaries, refused to give in. For two and a half years Katanga, the scrawniest underdog ever to fight a war, held off the world with guerrilla warfare, two-faced diplomacy, and some shady financial backing. It even looked as if the Katangese might win.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The first full account of an African secession that introduced the modern mercenary—and killed the head of the United NationsIn King Leopold II's infamous Congo "Free" State at the turn of the century, severed hands became a form of currency. But the Belgians don't seem to have a sense of historical shame, as they connived for an independent Katanga state in 1960 to protect Belgian mining interests. What happened next was extraordinary. Katanga 1960 tells, for the first time, the full story of the Congolese province that declared independence and found itself at war with the world. The Congo had no intention of allowing the renegade region to secede, and neither did the CIA, the KGB, or the United Nations. It was a fantastically uneven battle. The UN fielded soldiers from twenty nations, America paid the bills, and the Soviets intrigued behind the scenes. Yet to everyone's surprise the new nation's rag-tag army of local gendarmes, jungle tribesmen and, controversially, European mercenaries, refused to give in. For two and a half years Katanga, the scrawniest underdog ever to fight a war, held off the world with guerrilla warfare, two-faced diplomacy, and some shady financial backing. It even looked as if the Katangese might win.

More books from The History Press

Cover of the book Elizabeth Robins by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Berlin Soldier by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Devon Ghost Tales by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Today Is a Good Day to Fight by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Somerset Murders by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Solitary Spy by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Reindeer by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Commando Medic by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Irish Heart, English Blood by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Escape from Broadmoor by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Operation Neptune by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Tudor Housewife by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Dorset Murders by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Shine On Swansea City by Christopher Othen
Cover of the book Wexford Folk Tales by Christopher Othen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy