Congo Tragedy Rubber Terror

The Congo Free State or The Belgian Congo

The Congo Sparks Interest Stanley set out to explore Africa and trace the Congo. King Leopold II of Belgium commissioned Stanley to help him obtain land in the Congo. Stanley signed treaties with local chiefs who gave Leopold II control over these lands.

KING LEOPOLD II OF BELGIUM (1835-1909) Took over land in central Africa Part of broad European race for African colonies – “Scramble for Africa” Diamonds, foodstuffs, gold, ivory, rubber

Leopold’s Abuse of the Congo Leopold II claimed that his reason for control was to abolish the slave trade. He licensed companies to harvest sap from rubber trees. Leopold’s private army mutilated people who would not harvest rubber. Millions of people from the Congo died doing this. Earned him title – the butcher of congo The Belgian government took control of the colony from Leopold II as a result.

Belgium’s Stranglehold on the Congo

the butcher of congo (1865 – 1909) King Leopold II the butcher of congo (1865 – 1909)

Before rubber: pre-1893

Harvesting Rubber

Punishing “Lazy” Workers

Mutilated People in the Congo Free State

5-8 Million Victims! (50% of Popul.) It is blood-curdling to see them (the soldiers) returning with the hands of the slain, and to find the hands of young children amongst the bigger ones evidencing their bravery...The rubber from this district has cost hundreds of lives, and the scenes I have witnessed, while unable to help the oppressed, have been almost enough to make me wish I were dead... This rubber traffic is steeped in blood, and if the natives were to rise and sweep every white person on the Upper Congo into eternity, there would still be left a fearful balance to their credit. -- Belgian Official

Atrocities

Leopold’s Conscience?? Never stepped in CFT – 23 years

Accomplices

Sources B. Ankomah – Butcher of congo

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