The Effect Of Terror On Congolese People Of The Congo

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This began an era of immense fear for the Congolese people, known as the “rubber terror”. Due to King Leopold's demands, and the people of the Congo found themselves valued as chattel, whose only use was for labor. Several repercussions occurred as a result of the treaties between the African chiefs and the Belgians, not all of which were a positive impact on the inhabitants of the Congo (Ankomah). Almost all exploitable land was divided among concession companies. Forced labour, hostages, slave chains, starving porters, burned villages, paramilitary company 'sentries', and the chicotte [a short, stiff, whip] were the order of the day. (Ankomah) These actions were enforced by the Force Publique, an organization devised by King Leopold to

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