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King Leopold II. (R. 1865-1909). Belgian Brutality. Themes. Imperialism/Competition Balance of Power Nationalism National wealth and influence European Superiority Technological Advancements All were significant contributors to African Colonization. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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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)