The Horrifying Story of the Rubber Slaves of the Congo

The Congo Free State was a brutal colonial regime established by King Leopold II of Belgium in the late 19th century. Under Leopold's rule, millions of Congolese people were forced into slavery to extract rubber from the rainforest. Those who resisted were subjected to horrific violence, including torture, mutilation, and death.

The Congo Free State was founded in 1885, when King Leopold II convinced the European powers to recognize his claim to the Congo Basin. Leopold promised to develop the Congo and bring civilization to its people. However, his true intentions were to exploit the Congo's vast natural resources, particularly its rubber.

Samba : A Story of the Rubber Slaves of the Congo (With Original Illustrated)

by Herbert Strang

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1541 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	373 pages
Dimensions	:	8 x 0.5 x 11.25 inches
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	12.8 ounces

FREE

Rubber was in high demand in the late 19th century, as it was used to make tires, hoses, and other products. The Congo was home to vast forests of rubber trees, and Leopold saw an opportunity to make a fortune.

To extract the rubber, Leopold forced the Congolese people into slavery. He required each village to produce a certain quota of rubber each month. If a village failed to meet its quota, the villagers were often punished severely.

The punishments for failing to meet the rubber quota were brutal. Leopold's soldiers would often torture and mutilate the villagers. They would cut off their hands, feet, or ears. They would also burn their villages and kill their families.

The violence and brutality of the Congo Free State shocked the world. In 1908, the Belgian government was forced to take over the colony from Leopold. The Belgian government made some reforms, but the Congo remained a brutal and oppressive regime until it gained independence in 1960.

The story of the rubber slaves of the Congo is a horrific reminder of the evils of colonialism. It is a story of greed, violence, and suffering. It is also a story of resistance and survival.

Original Illustrated Images

The following images are original illustrated images of the rubber slaves of the Congo. These images were created by a Congolese artist named Alphonse Maka. Makas images depict the horrors that the Congolese people endured under Leopold's rule.

[Image of a Congolese man being tortured by Leopold's soldiers]

[Image of a Congolese woman with her hand cut off]

[Image of a Congolese child being killed by Leopold's soldiers]

These images are a powerful reminder of the brutality of the Congo Free State. They are also a testament to the courage and resilience of the Congolese people.

The story of the rubber slaves of the Congo is a tragic and important story. It is a story of greed, violence, and suffering. It is also a story of resistance and survival. The Congolese people endured unimaginable horrors under Leopold's rule, but they never gave up hope. Their story is an inspiration to us all.

Samba : A Story of the Rubber Slaves of the Congo (With Original Illustrated)

by Herbert Strang

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1541 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	373 pages
Dimensions	:	8 x 0.5 x 11.25 inches
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	12.8 ounces

FREE