Imperialism
Colonialism is a major aspect in Central Africa. The colonization of Central Africa still affects it today. Central Africa was colonized by Leopold II, the king of the Belgians. Leopold I, Leopold’s II fathers had attempted to colonize other areas, but failed at his attempt. This led Leopold II to look for Central Africa because of its little knows ability by European geographers; this caused it to be less popular than other parts of Africa. Leopold II set up the Congo Free State in Central Africa to “limit” the amount of slavery and trade going on to win over peoples judgments’ of himself and his “humanitarian” efforts.
Leopold’s had a different perspective of the colonization of Central Africa. He decided to place the Rubber Tax Law. This is a law of a tax on rubber. He ruled that the people of Central Africa be forced to collect rubber for him to use it to make a profit. If the women, men, and even children did not cooperate with his rule he would cut off their limbs for punishment. He cut off the hands and feet of people who did not collect enough rubber for his liking. These actions of his were labeled as atrocities, but not seen as bad doings by everyone. In many parts of Africa people were unaware, and some just ignored the atrocities. Because of the no trade rule in Central Africa many traders protested against Leopold’s rule.
There are still many problems in Central Africa today even with Leopold not in rule, but dead. In 2005 a new constitution was passed in the Congo. About a year later, they had their first multiparty election in around forty-six years. The citizens elected Joseph Kabila in 2006. The peace in Central Africa is spread out unevenly. There is peace keepers located in certain parts of the country keeping it in control, but in some parts, the horrible rapes, murders, and other horrible crimes are still being committed. But in other ways, imperialism and colonization improved Central Africa. It helped improve its technology: railroads, schools, hospitals, farming techniques, and sanitation.
~Sabrina~
Leopold’s had a different perspective of the colonization of Central Africa. He decided to place the Rubber Tax Law. This is a law of a tax on rubber. He ruled that the people of Central Africa be forced to collect rubber for him to use it to make a profit. If the women, men, and even children did not cooperate with his rule he would cut off their limbs for punishment. He cut off the hands and feet of people who did not collect enough rubber for his liking. These actions of his were labeled as atrocities, but not seen as bad doings by everyone. In many parts of Africa people were unaware, and some just ignored the atrocities. Because of the no trade rule in Central Africa many traders protested against Leopold’s rule.
There are still many problems in Central Africa today even with Leopold not in rule, but dead. In 2005 a new constitution was passed in the Congo. About a year later, they had their first multiparty election in around forty-six years. The citizens elected Joseph Kabila in 2006. The peace in Central Africa is spread out unevenly. There is peace keepers located in certain parts of the country keeping it in control, but in some parts, the horrible rapes, murders, and other horrible crimes are still being committed. But in other ways, imperialism and colonization improved Central Africa. It helped improve its technology: railroads, schools, hospitals, farming techniques, and sanitation.
~Sabrina~