arcely nine million. Another thing that King Leopold’s people did to the innocent people of Congo was enslave them. This broke many of the articles in the Declaration of Human Rights. It broke articles one and four. Article one says “ All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Article four says “ No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.” The King broke these in many ways. First, each village was ordered by the authorities to collect and bring in a certain amount of rubber as much as the men could collect. If they failed to bring the required amount, their women were Michael Wakefield 591-70-0031taken away and kept as hostages in compounds or in the harems of government employees. Since the men where always out gathering rubber and ivory and the women where always held hostage no one could farm or work for their own well being. This caused many people to starve since there was no food. Not only did the King enslave adults but he also set up three children colonies. These colonies where basically training grounds to turn the kids into hard core killers and soldiers. The slave trade was also turning into big business in Congo. The going rate was twenty-five francs per slave. The conditions the slaves had to endure while being transported where terrible. The slaves were chained to each other by the neck. When the slaves would cross narrow bridges if one feel all the slaves would fall and die. This is an inexcusable way to die and treat a human being.The King’s actions were inexcusable. King Leopold had no respect for his people or cared for their well being. His actions in every way were g...
