“From Plagues to Political Turmoil: Discover the Unimaginable Struggles of Humanity’s Darkest Eras!”
For those who lived through it, survival was a constant uncertainty. Civilians were often caught in the crossfire as armies clashed and resources ran out. After nearly a decade of violence, the once-mighty Tang Dynasty was left weakened, and Chinese society would take years to recover.
14. The Congo Free State (1885-1908)
The Congo Free State, under King Leopold II of Belgium, was one of the most horrific examples of colonial exploitation in history. The region was essentially turned into a massive forced labor camp, where millions of Congolese were subjected to brutal conditions in the quest for rubber and other resources. An estimated 10 million people died from overwork, disease, and outright murder during Leopold’s reign of terror.
For those living in the Congo during this time, life was a constant struggle for survival. People had their hands cut off as punishment for not meeting rubber quotas, families were ripped apart, and entire communities were destroyed by forced slavery. The Congo Free State stands as a grim reminder of the horrors of unchecked colonialism.
15. The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648)
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live through a seemingly endless war, look no further than the Thirty Years’ War. This European conflict dragged on for, well, 30 years, and it left Central Europe in shambles. Entire towns were wiped out, famine was rampant, and disease swept through the population. An estimated 8 million people died during this brutal period.
