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King Leopold's Congo and the 'Scramble for Africa': A Short History with Documents (Passages: Key Moments in History),New
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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' scandalwhich 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 sakehaunted 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 Africaa quest that began in the name of antislavery 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.'Jelmer Vos, University of Glasgow
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'King Leopold's Congo and the Scramble for Africa'? A: The book focuses on King Leopold II of Belgium's exploitation of the Congo River in the 1880s and the resulting consequences of colonialism in Africa.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'King Leopold's Congo and the Scramble for Africa' is Michael A. Rutz.
- Q: What is the significance of the Congo Free State in the book? A: The Congo Free State, established by King Leopold II as his private colony, is depicted as a unique political entity that facilitated the exploitation of the Congo's resources and people.
- Q: What key events are discussed in the book? A: The book discusses the red rubber scandal and the broader context of European colonialism, highlighting the contradictions between anti-slavery rhetoric and the realities of exploitation.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 132 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of the book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: When was 'King Leopold's Congo and the Scramble for Africa' published? A: The book was published on March 1, 2018.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book includes a collection of documents and a thoughtful introduction, making it suitable for anyone interested in the history of colonial rule in Africa.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from this book? A: Readers can expect to gain insights into the historical context of colonialism in Africa, particularly the economic and ethical implications of Leopold's rule.
- Q: Is this book a good starting point for learning about colonial history? A: Yes, it is an excellent starting point for those interested in understanding the complexities of colonial rule and its impact on Africa.