The peoples of the Congo Free State…

The peoples of the Congo Free State have been subjected to a staggering sequence of wars, repression, and regimentation for almost the entire period of its existence (1885-1908).

The impact of this colonial experience is so devastating, and its aftereffects so disruptive, because the initial shock of European intrusion is followed almost immediately by a ruthless exploitation of human and natural resources.

In terms of its psychological impact, the bula matari state leaves a legacy of latent hostility on which subsequent generations of nationalists in present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo will be able to capitalize; on the other hand, the sheer brutality of its methods generates a sense of fear and hopelessness, which, initially at least, discourage the rise of organized nationalist activity.