King Leopold II

1. King Leopold II (R. 1865-1909) Belgian Brutality

3. Themes • Imperialism/Competition • Balance of Power • Nationalism • National wealth and influence • European Superiority • Technological Advancements • All were significant contributors to African Colonization

4. Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden” “Take up the White Man’s burden— In patience to abide, To veil the threat of terror And check the show of pride; By open speech and simple, An hundred times made plain To seek another’s profit, And work another’s gain”

5. Imperialism • Demonstrate national superiority and preeminence • Intrinsic desire to “conquer” inferior peoples • Leads to colonization • Most notably: in Africa, India, and China • Competition between European powers

6. Economic Rationale • Economic: • Trade • Opens up markets • Protects said country’s trade • Access to raw materials • Competition • Self-sufficient economies • Investment opportunities

7. Political/Moral Rationale • Political: • Appease public sentiment • To protect against exponentially increasing population • Encourage and/or discourage emigration • Moral: • “White Man’s Burden” • Alleged superiority • “A favor” for the dependent • Darwinism/Natural Selection • Outlast and clarify the technological inferior • Origen of the Species

8. Belgium Succession • King Leopold II succeeds father, King Leopold I • Small country that had recently earned independence • Few relevant colonies • Neighboring nations were plush with colonies (i.e. France, Holland, and Great Britain) • Absolute control—No Parliament to stand in his way

9. Means of Colonization • Colonies=national supremacy • People/Belgian government had no interest • Personal rectitude—didn’t need any support • Private funding: • Alleged endeavor to improve science and technology • International African Society • Deceived private bankers • Exploits “national concern” for personal satisfaction • Hires Henry Morton Stanley • Congo

10. Berlin Conference (1884-1885) • Called by Bismarck • Acknowledges Stanley’s and Leopold’s accomplishments in Congo • Congo 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

12. Treatment of Natives • Brutal; exploitative • Enslavement & mutilation/torture • Death tolls are unknown • Possibly, up to 15 million casualties • Disease/labor overwork • Disregarded human rights • Belgian parliament first ignored; gradually opposed • Forfeit territories to detached Belgian State

13. Limitations & Demise • Ambiguity towards Leopold’s accomplishments: • A lot with a little • Ignorant and brutal • Other nations had greater restrictions on exploitation • Little legislation on living/working conditions • Dismay of Belgians • Attempted assassination attempt

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

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