How and why did Leopold II build an African Empire

of democracy citizens of nations such as Belgium had more influence in state affairs.

The power of government in Belgium was considered more important than the power

of the monarchy. It was because of this that Leopold II acquisition of an African

empire was different to other European powers such as France and Britain. Their push

for overseas colonies came as a result of the industrial revolution creating the need for

cheap labour, raw materials and new markets.

Leopold who had been in the military and travelled extensively in his youth

decided that Belgium needed empire. In domestic affairs he emphasized military

defence as a basis of neutrality. He was motivated by a wish for prestige among

other European countries and the economic benefits that could be gained from

colonial holdings. These motives were hidden behind humanitarian reasons such as

the halt of the slave trade and spread of Christianity. The is the great irony as the

Belgian Congo in hindsight is the epitome of European injustice against Africa.

As a young man Leopold took a keen interest in home affairs. He had been in

country such as Britain. The British blamed Portuguese indifference for the

Geographical Conference. In a draft note for his speech he wrote “the aim of the

with a foothold in the region. Prince Bismarck noted when the conference was ending;

eighteen ninety-one claimed all vacant land for the government. This took away the

suspicious of Leopold’s activity. Leopold’s solution to this was to play the other

Some topics in this essay:
Forces Publiques, Berlin Act, France Britain, Europeans Leopold, China Leopold’s, Africa Leopold, Geographical Conference, Congo Basin…, West African, Belgian Congo, slave trade, nineteen hundred, africa leopold, european countries, african empire, international powers, dreamed belgian empire, belgian empire, dreamed belgian, european powers, berlin conference, acquisition african empire,