King Leopold II(R. 1865-1909)

Belgian Brutality

ThemesImperialism/CompetitionBalance of PowerNationalismNational wealth and influenceEuropean SuperiorityTechnological Advancements

All were significant contributors to African Colonization

Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden”

“Take up the White Man’s burden—

In patience to abide,To veil the threat of terrorAnd check the show of pride;By open speech and simple, An hundred times made plainTo seek another’s profit,And work another’s gain”

ImperialismDemonstrate national superiority and preeminenceIntrinsic desire to “conquer” inferior peoplesLeads to colonization

Most notably: in Africa, India, and China

Competition between European powers

Economic Rationale

Economic:Trade

Opens up marketsProtects said country’s tradeAccess to raw materials

Competition Self-sufficient economiesInvestment opportunities

Political/Moral RationalePolitical:

Appease public sentimentTo protect against exponentially increasing populationEncourage and/or discourage emigration

Moral:“White Man’s Burden”Alleged superiority“A favor” for the dependent Darwinism/Natural Selection

Outlast and clarify the technological inferiorOrigen of the Species

Belgium Succession

King Leopold II succeeds father, King Leopold ISmall country that had recently earned independenceFew relevant colonies

Neighboring nations were plush with colonies (i.e. France, Holland, and Great Britain)

Absolute control—No Parliament to stand in his way

Means of ColonizationColonies=national supremacyPeople/Belgian government had no interestPersonal rectitude—didn’t need any supportPrivate funding:

Alleged endeavor to improve science and technology

International African Society

Deceived private bankers

Exploits “national concern” for personal satisfactionHires Henry Morton Stanley

Congo

Berlin Conference (1884-1885)

Called by BismarckAcknowledges Stanley’s and Leopold’s accomplishments in CongoCongo Free State:

76x the size of Belgium

Leopold able to rule without restrictions

Sets up Force Publique

Independent of Belgium

Course of action for establishing colonies

Treatment of NativesBrutal; exploitativeEnslavement & mutilation/tortureDeath tolls are unknown

Possibly, up to 15 million casualties

Disease/labor overworkDisregarded human rights Belgian parliament first ignored; gradually opposed

Forfeit territories to detached Belgian State

Limitations & Demise

Ambiguity towards Leopold’s accomplishments:

A lot with a little

Ignorant and brutal

Other nations had greater restrictions on exploitationLittle legislation on living/working conditionsDismay of Belgians

Attempted assassination attempt

Drastic economic and sentimental improvements immediately followed the Belgian government’s reacquisition of sovereignty following King Leopold’s death in 1909.

ReferencesLeopold II of Belgium—New World Encyclopedia “The White Man’s Burden” -- Rudyard KiplingAP Achiever: European History Chapter 12: Pages 218-224Congo Free State: An Interview with King Leopold (December 11, 1906)