Download The Congo Free State: The History and Legacy of the Colony Established by King Leopold II of Belgium AudioBook Free

King Leopold II of Belgium emerges from the pages of record as a curious character. He was an associate of the privileged clique of European monarchs, bereft of power but abundant, indulgent, and indolent. Leopold certainly availed himself of all pleasures of court docket life, but he was also shrewd, astonishingly qualified, and avaricious to a almost unimaginable level. His initial curiosity about foreign real property was imperial, insofar as he desired with respect to Belgium the main accoutrements of the first-rate power, that have been, of course, overseas estates and colonies. He was, however, struggling to move the Belgian parliament to act relating, the conservative belief perhaps being that Belgium could not afford to contend on that level. Belgium was a tiny European nation, existing between major and, sometimes, belligerent powers, and therefore, it quietly proceeded to go about its business with a dedication not to rock the European boat. Displaying enormous capability and a masterful understanding of diplomatic maneuver, Leopold was able to secure primary protection under the law over the territory of the Congo River catchment, some of the globe more than three times the size of France. By any requirements, this was a monumental coup, and by enough time the other European capabilities woke up to just what was underway, it was too later the arrest the momentum. Of all issues on the plan as delegates gathered in Berlin in 1884, foremost was the Congo question. The problem was debated, and although deeply stressed by the potential consequences, reputation was eventually afforded to Leopold's case to the Congo.

Category: Classics