Bibliograph

King Leopold's Congo and the "scramble for Africa", a short history with documents, Michael A. Rutz

Type

Label

King Leopold's Congo and the "scramble for Africa", a short history with documents, Michael A. Rutz

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Illustrations

illustrationsmaps

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

King Leopold's Congo and the "scramble for Africa"

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

994296659

Responsibility statement

Michael A. Rutz

Series statement

Passages: key moments in history

Sub title

a short history with documents

Summary

King Leopold of Belgium's exploits up the Congo River in the 1880s were central to the European partitioning of the African continent. The Congo Free State, Leopold's private colony, was a unique political construct that opened the door to the savage exploitation of the Congo's natural and human resources by international corporations. The resulting 'red rubber' scandal—which laid bare a fundamental contradiction between the European propagation of free labor and 'civilization' and colonial governments' acceptance of violence and coercion for productivity's sake—haunted all imperial powers in Africa. Featuring a clever introduction and judicious collection of documents, Michael Rutz's book neatly captures the drama of one king's quest to build an empire in Central Africa—a quest that began in the name of anti-slavery and free trade and ended in the brutal exploitation of human lives. This volume is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the history of colonial rule in Africa.--, Provided by Publisher

Table Of Contents

The new imperialism and the partition of Africa -- King Leopold and the Congo Free State -- In the rubber coils -- The Congo Reform Movement -- Legacies of the Congo Free State -- Historiographical review -- Documents

Creator