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The Belgian Congo Changes
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King Leopold Takes Over The Congo
King Leopold II set up a colony in the Congo that he would directy control. He had sent a journalist, to make treaties with tribes or local people that he would be their ruler. He increased his power or gain of control. He didn't care about the country; he cared only for himself. He came to the Congo just for money. He was in search for rubber, as well as copper and other raw materials. His plan wasn't to help the Country succeed because he didn't care. -
Conditions Prior To Imperialism
Before Imperialism, the Congo was settled. Leopold ruled about 30 million people. The economy was successful because of their variety of raw materials. They were able to trade with other regions and make money. Also, the Congo wasn't loosing money with wars. They were in a strategic location with rivers surrounding them. Although their economy was successful, people were dying. Leopold's rule was strict and he nearly reduced his population to 30 percent. -
Berlin Conference
The Berlin Conference was held in Berlin under the leadership of the German Chancellor. The Berlin conference stated several acts. One act stated you have to inform other powers if you took possession of an African coast. Another granted King Leopold II to rule the Congo. So, it took away the governing of the people which now encouraged him to start his rein on the Congo. -
Belgium Imperializes The Congo
In 1908, the European country Belgium colonized the Congo. It was now known as the Belgian Congo. They took over Leopold's rule and marked an end to it. Due to Leopold's cruelty, his own people put pressure on the government. His power was taken away and he was forced to leave. The Belgium people were now trying to improve the lives of natives, making it a better place to live. -
Belgians Enter The Congo
The Belgium people entered the Congo because they were having economic successess. With the large variety of raw materials to sell, money was made easily. Natural Rubbber was one of the most expensive things to buy. Although, Belgium did control the Congo, they did not govern them. The people were more free because they were trusted by the Belgians. -
The Congolese Are Unhappy.
Although the economy was doing ok, the Congolese weren't treated fairly. They were called names by the Belgium people and were getting racial expressions towards them. The Belgians were killing the Congolese because of their color. The population dropped because of murders, disease, starvation and exhaustion. The Congolese did nothing, but reject the government. Eventually, they would overthrow the government. -
Belgians Make Changes
The Congolese needed to adopt to the Belgian reforms. The Belgians brought good and bad reforms to the Congo. Education was brought too by the Belgians. People were living longer and as a result the population was very large. The Conglese were being taught in school about health. Also, the Belgians built railroads. Traveling was easier and more jobs were created. Bad reforms also took place. The Belgians forced the Congolese to be Roman Cathloic. Most Congolese people were not Roman Catholic. -
The Congo Becomes Free From Belgium
In 1960, the Congo became independent from Belgium. Prime Minister Lumumba was rebelled against by the Congolese because of cruel ruelty. The rebellion quickly spread throughtout the Congo. The prime minister was mudered for his bad rule and the Congo was officialy free again. The economy was struggleing, but it set the stage for a new and better ruler to take charge.
