Western Civilization II / Unit 13 WC2 1202 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Civilizing Mission and Leopold's Obsession
Captions available
The idea
The stated justification was the civilizing mission: Christianity and Western civilization for "benighted" regions. The tangible motive was great-power rivalry after the Congress System died. Leopold II of Belgium wanted a Congo colony for status and profit, and his International African Association promised to civilize and aid.
In practice
The witness: Leopold's statements "were lies".
Where people slip
The Congo's record comes at 1212.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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