INTERGROUP RELATIONS AND THE PERPETUATION OF EXTREME VIOLENCE WITHIN THE CONGO FREE STATE, 1880-1910
Journal Title
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Issue Date
2024
Authors
Borkholder, Riley
Publisher
SUNY Brockport
Keywords
African Colonialism , Congo Free State
Abstract
In the beginning of the scramble for Africa, world superpowers such as Great Britain,
France, and Portugal obtained control of pockets within Africa during the 1880s. European
interest was sparked in the continent as economic motivations for exploration were clear, Africa
possessed various wealthy resources and items that manufacturers in the west could use for
profit. In turn, this heavily influenced King Leopold II of Belgium to establish his own colony in
the Congo River Basin.1 At the Berlin Conference in 1885, Leopold announced the official
establishment of the Congo Free State (CFS) upon its recognition by the other European
powers.2 As this exploration continued and Leopold further established his reign within the
Congo basin wealthy items, such as ivory, were exported to Europe; it was not until the mid 1890s that rubber was found within the Congo. The discovery of rubber was revolutionary for
Leopold II, as it was in high demand in the European market.3 The dramatic increase of the
rubber trade in Europe propelled the king himself, agents, and imperial officials of the CFS to
gain wealth quickly in substantial amounts.
Description
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