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What Is The Context Of Congo White King Red Rubber Black Death

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Introduction:

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country that has been plagued by colonialism and its aftereffects. The video "Congo: White King, Red Rubber, Black Death" delves into the dark history of the Congo Free State during the period of King Leopold II's reign. The video highlights the atrocities committed against the Congolese people and the legacy of colonialism that continues to impact the country to this day.

Body:

During King Leopold II's reign (1885-1908), the Congo Free State was established, and he became its sole ruler. Leopold II used the country's natural resources, including rubber, to generate immense wealth for himself and Belgium. The video explores how the Congolese people were forced to work in rubber plantations, with severe punishments for those who did not meet their quotas. …show more content…

The video also highlights the role of Roger Casement, an Irishman who investigated the atrocities and produced a report that exposed the brutality of King Leopold II's rule.

The deaths of millions of Congolese people were caused by a combination of factors, including forced labor, violence, starvation, and disease. The Congolese people were forced to work long hours without pay, and their villages were destroyed, leading to a shortage of food and water. The harsh conditions in the rubber plantations also exposed the Congolese people to diseases, such as sleeping sickness and smallpox, which spread rapidly.

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