Becoming the Republic of the Congo and later the Democratic Republic of the Congo, what was supposed to be a momentous occasion in the country's history was rapidly transformed into a bitter internecine political battle which would tear the Congo apart. Within weeks, two Congolese provinces had declared their own independence putting the Congo's economic future in jeopardy.

Congo pre-independence --Congolese political development, 1946-1959 -- From independence to crisis -- Political insurgency in Stanleyville, 1960-1961 -- Political and military insurgence in Katanga, 1960-1963 -- The Chinese Method in Africa : the Kwilu Rebellion -- The Kivu Rebellion -- Counter-insurrection in the Congo, 1964 -- Epilogue.