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Conditions in The Belgian Congo prior to Imperialism
The conditions in the Belgian Congo before Imperialism were undocumented because there was no government rule in the area. The Congo didn't exist until the Europoean creation of the area for its use of the natural resources for trade. Prior to colonization it was run by chiefs, clans and different groups of people. -
Belgium First to Imperialize Congo
King Leopold of Belgium uses a humanatarian and scientific expedition of the Congo to establish his influence and Belgium control in the area. He begins to take ivory and rubber out of the area for financial area -
Belgium's treatment of the people of the Congo
Belgium treated the people of the Congo poorly. Local farmers were not paid for their goods and their children and wives were held hostage until their quota of rubber was met. If they didn't make the quota, their hands or feet could be cut off. It is estimated that half the county's population was killed by genocide during Leopold's rule. An additional 10 million were killed by disease and exploitation. -
Why Belgium Came
King Leopold gains absolute power over the Congo and begins to violate his pledges. He grabs land, taxes people and monopolizes the rubber industry just at a time when the inflatable rubber tire comes into demand. Belgium came to gain money for their country. -
The People's Response to Imperialism
Local chiefs organized tribal resistance by destroying factories and ambushing troops. In response troops burn villages and kill rebels. To prove the kills they cut off hands or feet. Since this proves a kill and they are paid per killed rebel, they sometimes chop off limbs from living people. Violent uprising continue until the Congo is granted independence. -
Belgium's Treatment of the People cont'd
Responding to international pressure, the Belgium Parliament removes Leopold from control of the Congo and takes control of the country renaming it the Belgium Congo. An effort to teach natives Christianity and educate the local natives to a secondary level of higher is undertaken. -
People's Response to Imperialism
Civil unrest, civil disobedience, strikes and riots arise in response to the unfair poliitcal and social structure of the country. White Europeans are wealthy and educated while only certain blacks get access to education and most of the native population are living in poverty. -
Independence from Belgium
Belgium grants the Congo independence in 1960 but still retains mineral rights to the country. -
Country in Turmoil
Political strife causes instability within the country. Joseph Mobuto ousts the president and announces he is president. He lives as a dictator and in wealth as the rest of the country is in poverty. -
Country Renamed Again
Mobutu changes country's name to Zaire -
Renamed Country Again
Laurent-Désiré Kabila overthrows Mobutu. Kabila renames the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo. -
Laurent Désiré Kabila Killed
Laurent-Désiré Kabila is killed by one of his bodyguards and his son takes over.
