Heart of Darkness-Joseph Conrad (1899) ‘It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a

great scale.’

King Leopold 2, King of Belgians (1865-1909)

About half of Congolese at that time died of small pox and sleeping disease.

Between 1885 to 1908, king Leopold II ruled the Congo free state.

During the colonisation, Leopold II says he is going to supress east Africa Slave trade. Guarantee free
trade with colony, and promoting human rights.

Berlin Conference (1884-1885). Major countries have been involved. King Leopold II get the rights to
establish Free Congo state.

The Congolese will go through whip, mutilation or even death.

Soldiers needs to cut down one hand from the Congolese for every bullet used, so they can prove
that the bullets aren’t been wasted on sports or hunting.

In 1904, more and more reporters start to report the inhumane treatments in the Free Congo State.
There are worldwide protests.