The Congo State Or, the Growth of Civilisation in Central Africa [Paperback]

This 1898 publication documents the controversial colonial history of the Congo Free State during the reign of King Leopold II.First published in 1898, this book records the early history of Belgian colonial activity in the Congo when the territory was under the private control of King Leopold II (18351909). While Leopold's rule is notoriously controversial, Boulger's work displays the patriotic colonial fervour of its time.First published in 1898, this book records the early history of Belgian colonial activity in the Congo when the territory was under the private control of King Leopold II (18351909). While Leopold's rule is notoriously controversial, Boulger's work displays the patriotic colonial fervour of its time.Written by the historian and biographer Demetrius C. Boulger (18531928), this history of early Belgian rule in the Congo was first published in 1898. The book documents nineteenth-century colonial activity after King Leopold II (18351909) assumed private control of the Congo Free State following the Berlin Conference in 1884. Exposed by the Casement Report of 1904, Leopold's controversial administration of the territory has become infamous for its exploitation of the local people and natural resources. Boulger's pro-Leopold account describes the Congolese population and environment, the presence and decline of the slave trade in the area, interaction with other European colonial powers, and the introduction of technologies such as the railway and telegraph. Including more than fifty illustrations, this book offers a fascinating insight into nineteenth-century colonial zeal.1. The conception of the Congo state; 2. The first Belgian expeditions; 3. The founding of the state; 4. The Congo and its affluents; 5. The slave trade and its horrors; 6. The earlier campaigns; 7. The operations on the Lomani; 8. The second Brussels Conference and the king's will; 9. The Arab campaign; 10. The later diplomatic arrangement; 11. The extinction of the slave tradelæ