In the late 19th century, the African continent was largely unchartered, and many wanted to claim a piece of the continent that had vast new economic resources. King Leopold II of Belgium created associations and financed a number of expeditions in Central Africa to explore this land and its resources. At the Berlin Conference of 1884, King Leopold II of Belgium was granted the coveted Congo River basin. This territory was called the Congo Free State while it was under the control of King Leopold from 1885 until 1908.
Most African colonies at the time, including the Congo Free State, were created primarily for the economic exploitation of natural resources and labor. The major exports from the Congo region included ivory, rubber, and …show more content…
A common tactic used in the Congo Free State was to implement a certain work quota from its citizens to force the collection of natural resources from the land. King Leopold’s army violently punished the citizens of the Congo Free State for missing a work quota. It was not uncommon for the hands and feet of men, women, and children to be amputated as punishment for not collecting their required amount. It was also common practice for hostages to be taken and used as leverage with the men of their family when demanding quotas.
Such inhumane policies drove many villagers of the Congo to revolt and resist colonial rule. Rebellions were put down swiftly and violently, often by killing all those who refused to work. The bodies of rebels were often displayed as a warning to others. While the death toll in the Congo Free State can never be truly known due to a lack of accurate records, historians have offered estimates as high as ten million dead between 1885 and 1908 while under the control of King Leopold
Most African colonies at the time, including the Congo Free State, were created primarily for the economic exploitation of natural resources and labor. The major exports from the Congo region included ivory, rubber, and …show more content…
A common tactic used in the Congo Free State was to implement a certain work quota from its citizens to force the collection of natural resources from the land. King Leopold’s army violently punished the citizens of the Congo Free State for missing a work quota. It was not uncommon for the hands and feet of men, women, and children to be amputated as punishment for not collecting their required amount. It was also common practice for hostages to be taken and used as leverage with the men of their family when demanding quotas.
Such inhumane policies drove many villagers of the Congo to revolt and resist colonial rule. Rebellions were put down swiftly and violently, often by killing all those who refused to work. The bodies of rebels were often displayed as a warning to others. While the death toll in the Congo Free State can never be truly known due to a lack of accurate records, historians have offered estimates as high as ten million dead between 1885 and 1908 while under the control of King Leopold