King Leopold's Ghost

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King Leopold II developed his dream for colonization at an early age. Before he even took the throne he was on the lookout for unconquered land that could later be in his possession. The king wanted to become rich as a result of his new land through the process of trading. Once King Leopold II set his sights on the Congo, he would not give up until the land was his. He connived, manipulated and conned his way into the land. He did not care who got hurt; he just wanted his dream to be fulfilled.

In order to achieve his dream, King Leopold II wanted to be sure that no other country got in his way. Belgium was a small country and Leopold knew that his country posed no threat to others. If he started to conquer the Congo, other countries might follow suit and overcome him.

To sidestep this landmine, "he began planning a step to establish his image as a philanthropist and advance his African ambitions: he would host a conference of explorers and geographers (42-43)." The king would not talk about the profits he planned to make but about putting an end to slave trade and advancing scientifically. The guests were wooed with fancy rooms, fine dining and a persuasive opening speech by King Leopold II. Before his guests departed, they established the International African Association. King Leopold II selflessly offered to have the association's headquarters be in Brussels. He was also elected chairman; his term would last one year.

By forming the International African Association, King Leopold II took one step forward. He succeeded in convincing his would be competitors that his intention in the Congo was completely selfless. Although the International African Association met the following year, as per agreement, the ...

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... they put their trust in him and supported him; they unknowingly took part in a heinous set of event; he manipulated them from the beginning.

King Leopold II died in December of 1909. The king was not mourned by many, for his reputation was demolished due to his actions in the Congo. His dream of a colony that would make him rich beyond belief was realized at a high cost. He spent many years trying to achieve this dream; he concocted the idea before he was twenty and it was not realized until he was fifty. King Leopold II could only see the good that was coming from the colonization: trade, money, respect and self-fulfillment. He swayed countries into thinking what he was doing was going to benefit the Congolese. For his actions, King Leopold II will always be remembered as a spineless, greedy, and cunning ruler who would stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

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