Belgian Congo Flashcards
Why did Belgium want Congo?
because tremendous wealth could be gained (e.g. ivory and rubber) needed for new electrical and automobile industries
What good things happened during King Leopold’s rule?
some railroads and streamers were built while few schools and roads were constructed
What was the purpose of the Belgian conference?
to split Africa
When did the Belgian conference happen?
1885
King Leopold II of Belgium claimed Congo and ruled with an iron fist. What does “iron fist” mean in this statement?
it means he made agreements and treaties with tribal leaders
Why is King Leopold pressured to give up his rule? When?
when the rest of the world realised what was happening in Belgium (atrocities happening in Congo, cut of hands from people in Congo), he was pressured to leave in 1908.
What does the cartoon with the Python with rubber skin and a crown represent?
represents King Leopold II taking over the population of Congo
Define ‘social darwanism’
stated that certain nations / races are more fit than others. believed ‘stronger’ nations were meant to rule ‘weaker’ ones.
What does the White Man’s Burden mean?
a duty formerly asserted by white people to manage the affairs of nonwhite people whom they believed to be less developed
What did King Leopold II want in turn for bullets used? Why?
for each bullet used, he wanted one hand of a Congo citizen. he did this because bullets cost money and he wanted to many sure that the bullets were going to ‘good use’
How many people died during King Leopold’s rule? Why?
5-8 million, these deaths were from warfare, disease and starvation
