Bhimsen Thapa vs Felix Houphouet-Boigny

Bhimsen Thapa became the first Mukhtiyar (equivalent to prime minister) of Nepal after the assassination of Rana Bahadur Shah. He consolidated power and became the de facto ruler, serving under the minor king Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah.

Bhimsen Thapa modernized the Nepalese army by introducing European-style training, weapons, and organization. He established arsenals, recruited Gurkha soldiers, and expanded the army's size, making it a formidable force in the region.

Bhimsen Thapa led Nepal into the Anglo-Nepalese War against the British East India Company. Despite initial Nepalese victories, the war ended with the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, which forced Nepal to cede territories including Sikkim and Kumaon.

Bhimsen Thapa signed the Treaty of Sugauli with the British, ending the Anglo-Nepalese War. Nepal lost about one-third of its territory, including the Tarai plains, and was forced to accept a British resident in Kathmandu, limiting its sovereignty.

Bhimsen Thapa was removed from power in 1837 after a court intrigue and accusations of poisoning the young king. He was imprisoned and later committed suicide in 1839, ending his 31-year dominance over Nepalese politics.

Houphouet-Boigny was elected as a deputy for Ivory Coast to the French Constituent Assembly. He became a leading African voice in French politics, advocating for colonial reforms.

Houphouet-Boigny founded the African Democratic Rally (RDA), a pan-African political party that coordinated anti-colonial movements across French West Africa. The RDA became a major force in decolonization.

Houphouet-Boigny implemented policies that led to rapid economic growth, based on agricultural exports (cocoa, coffee) and foreign investment. Ivory Coast became one of Africa's most prosperous countries.

Houphouet-Boigny became the first President of independent Ivory Coast. He maintained close economic and political ties with France, pursuing a pro-Western foreign policy and capitalist development.

Houphouet-Boigny established a one-party state under the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI). He suppressed political opposition, controlled the media, and maintained power through patronage and repression.

Houphouet-Boigny commissioned the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The project cost $300 million and became the largest church in the world.