The history of Congo is not known to many people. The story is one of exploitation, corruption and political instability. This is the first of a six part series. Part 1 starts in the 1880’s when King Leopold II of Belgium manages to obtain personal possession of the area called the Congo Free State, exploiting it for its ivory and rubber. Then, Belgium takes over, making Congo its colony in the early 1900’s until 1960 when it grants Congo its independence. Due to political turmoil, countless Belgians and other foreigners flee before and after Independence. Eleda Wester shares about evacuating with her family from Congo in 1960.
Video documentary on King Leopold II – “White King, Red Rubber, Black Death”.
Copyright © 2021 by Jeffrey W. Eales. All rights reserved. No portions may be reproduced or transmitted in any format without the prior written permission of the author.
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I see that Belgium schools in the late 1980’s started teaching the truth about King Leopold II. Good historical series that you’re presenting.
Well done. You did a lot of work researching and writing this history. Thanks much!
Thanks for doing this Jeff. As one who was on the Globemaster out of Bangui I might have been one of the only ones who didn’t get sick, but I did get a black-eye from the merry-goround where we were staying in Frankfurt. Since my parents came to Congo separately and then got married they weren’t on the same passport and Mom, Jim and I got to leave for the states almost immediately on BOAC where I remember the tea being particularly good.
Good job Jeff. I finally have carved out some time to start listening to your history lessons.
Dunlop was a veterinarian! Alas, his invention turned to oppression in the Congo. Bitterness.