Violence of Empire: The Tragedy of the Congo-Ocean Railroad

The Congo-Océan railroad was a French colony that was completed in 1934. It was built by conscripting African workers at gunpoint, subjecting them to hellish conditions, and suffering disease, malnutrition, and physical abuse, resulting in at least 20,000 deaths.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 384 pages
\n Publication date: 24 September 2021
\n Publisher: The History Press Ltd
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The Congo-Océan railroad stands as one of the most deadly construction projects in history, having been completed in 1934, during the era of French colonial rule in Equatorial Africa. The project involved the forced conscription of African workers, who were separated from their families and subjected to horrendous conditions as they hacked their way through dense tropical foliage, excavated thousands of tonnes of earth by hand, blasted their way through rock to construct tunnels, and risked their lives building bridges over otherwise impassable rivers. In the process, these workers suffered from disease, malnutrition, and widespread physical abuse, leading to an estimated death toll of at least 20,000 individuals.

Drawing on extensive research in French and Congolese archives, a chilling documentary record, and eye-opening photographic evidence, J. P. Daughton has crafted an epic account of the Congo-Océan railroad, shedding light on the human costs and contradictions of modern empire. The railroad project was initiated by the French government with the aim of connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, but it came at a catastrophic cost to the local population. The workers were subjected to inhumane treatment, with many dying from disease, malnutrition, and physical abuse. The project also had environmental consequences, as it led to the destruction of vast tracts of rainforest and the displacement of indigenous communities.

Despite the horrific toll of the Congo-Océan railroad, it remains a largely forgotten chapter in history. The project was overshadowed by World War II and the subsequent decolonization of Africa, and its human costs were largely ignored by the international community. However, Daughton's book serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of colonialism and the need for accountability and reconciliation in the aftermath of such atrocities.

In conclusion, the Congo-Océan railroad stands as a haunting testament to the human costs and contradictions of modern empire. The project involved the forced conscription of African workers, who were subjected to unimaginable suffering and died in large numbers as a result of their labor. Daughton's book provides a valuable account of this forgotten chapter in history, shedding light on the need for accountability and reconciliation in the aftermath of such atrocities.

\n Weight: 698g\n
Dimension: 165 x 236 x 36 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780750997928\n \n