The Exploitation of Rubber in the Congo and Its Impact

Historical Background

• Congo Free State: The private property of Belgian King Leopold II.
• Rubber Boom: John Boyd Dunlop invented the pneumatic tire in 1887, further developed by the Michelin brothers.
• Leopold II's Objective: Rapidly exploit natural rubber to surpass competitors.

Extraction Methods

• Brutal Methods: Leopold II's army, the "Force Publique," enforced rubber collection.
• Violence: Plundering, kidnapping, whipping, rape, murder, massacres.
• Cutting Limbs: Cutting off hands and feet to account for bullet usage.

Role of Alice Seeley Harris

• Missionary and Photographer: Arrived in 1898 with her spouse.
• Photographing Atrocities: Used a Kodak Brownie camera to document violence.
• View on Africans: Not culturally/religiously equal but showed the violence inflicted.

Impact of Photography

• Widespread Dissemination: Projected images with the use of a magic lantern.
• Movement Against Leopold II: Support from the Congo Reform Association.
• European Awareness: Photos exposed the atrocities.

Consequences

• Leopold II's Downfall: Could not dismiss the photos as forgery.
• Colonial Change: In 1908, Congo became a Belgian colony.
• Death of Leopold II: Died in 1909 amidst public outrage.

Suggested Bibliography

• "King Leopold's Ghost" by Adam Hochschild: Historical research.
• "The Congo's Severed Hands" by Marc Wiltz: Description of atrocities.
• "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad: Novel inspired by the Congo situation, adapted by Coppola as "Apocalypse Now."