Belgian colonial rule primarily refers to Belgium's control over the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908, followed by the Belgian Congo until 1960. Under King Leopold II, the Congo was exploited for its natural resources, particularly rubber and minerals, leading to severe human rights abuses and a significant decline in the local population. In 1908, international pressure forced Belgium to take over direct administration of the Congo, leading to some reforms. However, exploitation continued, with the focus on resource extraction and economic gain, often at the expense of the local communities and their development.