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King Leopold's Soliloquy: A Defense of His Congo Rule

Easton Powell

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Published in King Leopold S Soliloquy A Defense Of His Congo Rule : With Original Illustrated

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My name is Leopold II, King of the Belgians. I have been accused of many things, but I stand before you today to defend my record in the Congo Free State.

King Leopold's Soliloquy A Defense of his Congo Rule : with original illustrated

by Aubrey Alan

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3932 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	58 pages

I inherited the Congo from my uncle, King Leopold I, in 1865. At that time, the Congo was a vast and unexplored territory, home to a diverse population of African peoples. I was determined to bring civilization and progress to this land, and I believed that the best way to do this was through colonization.

I established the Congo Free State as a personal fiefdom, and I ruled it with an iron fist. I imposed a system of forced labor on the African population, and I exploited the Congo's natural resources for my own profit. My rule was brutal, and it resulted in the deaths of millions of Africans.

I know that my actions have been condemned by many, but I believe that they were justified. I was motivated by a desire to bring civilization to the Congo, and I believe that I succeeded in this goal. I built roads, schools, and hospitals, and I introduced modern agricultural techniques. I also abolished the slave trade, and I protected the African population from European exploitation.

I admit that my rule was harsh, but I believe that it was necessary. The Congo was a lawless and dangerous place, and I had to use force to maintain Free Download. I also had to suppress rebellions, which were often led by African chiefs who resisted my rule.

I understand that my actions have caused pain and suffering, but I believe that they were necessary for the greater good. I believe that I have made a positive contribution to the Congo, and I hope that my legacy will be judged fairly.

I am Leopold II, King of the Belgians, and I stand by my record in the Congo Free State.

The Evidence Against Leopold

There is no doubt that Leopold's rule in the Congo was brutal. The evidence against him is overwhelming.

The population of the Congo declined by an estimated 10 million people during Leopold's rule.
Leopold's soldiers used forced labor to extract rubber from the Congolese people.
Leopold's soldiers committed atrocities against the Congolese people, including rape, torture, and murder.
Leopold profited from the exploitation of the Congolese people.

Leopold's Defense

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Leopold has always maintained that his rule in the Congo was justified. He has argued that he was motivated by a desire to bring civilization to the Congo, and that he succeeded in this goal.

Leopold's defenders have also argued that the decline in the Congo's population was due to disease, not to Leopold's policies. They have also argued that Leopold's soldiers were only using the same methods that were used by other colonial powers in Africa.

The Verdict of History

The verdict of history on Leopold's rule in the Congo is clear: he was a brutal dictator who exploited the Congolese people for his own profit. His rule was a stain on the history of colonialism, and it is a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power.

Leopold's soliloquy is a fascinating and disturbing document. It provides a glimpse into the mind of a man who was both brilliant and ruthless. Leopold's rule in the Congo was a tragedy, and it is a reminder of the importance of human rights.

King Leopold's Soliloquy A Defense of his Congo Rule : with original illustrated

by Aubrey Alan

4.2 out of 5