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Congo Colonization Of Congo

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The Democratic Republic of Congo was colonized by Belgium from 1908 to 1960 under the rule of King Leopold II. The colony was heavily relied for for their cotton, oil palms, coffee, cacao, and rubber. The colony also became an important source of gold, diamond, copper, tin, cobalt, and zinc. In addition, forced labour was used to achieve the construction of roads, railroads, electric stations, and public buildings. Congolese were cared for and treated as if they were animals. All except traditional rulers who were assigned to collect taxes, had no role in the government. Profit made in Congo was used to beautify Belgium and boost their economy. However, even after Congo gained independence, instead of focusing on regrowing the nation, Congo regressed due to several reasons. Therefore, both the colonization of Congo and their regression contributed to the changes made in the Congolese lifestyle and their economy which particularly arose through the vast labour camp set by the king, Belgians brainwashing the Congolese, and Congo’s regression after their independence.

King Leopold II saw Congo as his economic colony where he used fear and torture to produce large amounts of rubber and a large supply of minerals. He converted Congo into a vast labour camp to keep up with the world’s high demands for rubber. Victims including explorers and missionaries all insisted for the King to stop. There were even calls for King Leopold II to be hanged at the New International Court of

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