DBWI: Leopold the not so nice

[SealTheRealDeal]

So we all know that Leopold II of Belgium set himself apart from other colonial powers by rigorously up holding his commitment to introducing education, technology, liberal democracy, and free market enterprise to the peoples of the Congo Free State. So what if his government was as bad as or (God forbid) worse than the the average colonial regime? Could the Congo Free State still end up being the strongest and most stable country in Africa? Would intensive resource extraction from the Congo perhaps allow Belgium to perform better in the Great War? Would the Congo Free State even survive?

Bonus points if French rather than Walloon becomes the language of government.*

*OOC: sorry Flemish, not even in this TL

 

[Byz]

Leopold II was a very unique case. As incredibly rich as the man was, he could afford to be philanthropic towards his "Free State" in a way that no European government, concerned with justifying costs, could. Despite the not insignificant resource extraction as he undertook (while certainly nicer than other colonial powers, the Free State was predatory in some ways) business friendly policies, Leopold never made anything approaching a profit off of the Free State, and there is no way a colonial government could justify that kind of expense.

Take away Leopold's vast fortunes and/or put the Congo directly under the Belgian Government and they will be just as brutal as the other colonial powers.

 

[VirginiaStronk]

Not to mention the fact that sans his nation building projects, Kongo would collapse. Just look at former Mittelafrika to see what happens then.

 

[Pyramus]

So this scenario makes Leapold II a 'regular' colonialist for some inexplicable reason?
Well for starters the Congo doesn't invite Prince Albert to become King of the Congo after it gains independence.

 

[Baron Steakpuncher]

Well....I'm not actually sure. Seriously, Leopold is practically (and in some places literally) worshipped over in the Kongo, the man and his policies are untouchable toe even the most nationalistic politicians.

So this scenario makes Leapold II a 'regular' colonialist for some inexplicable reason?
Well for starters the Congo doesn't invite Prince Albert to become King of the Congo after it gains independence.

Yeah, *independent*. The Kongo is still a member of the Walloon Association, has to abide by all its laws and what not, truthfully it might be better to say its a highly autonomous region. Of course if ol Leopold wasn't as nice then we might have it being legit independent.

 

[SealTheRealDeal]

Yeah, *independent*. The Kongo is still a member of the Walloon Association, has to abide by all its laws and what not, truthfully it might be better to say its a highly autonomous region. Of course if ol Leopold wasn't as nice then we might have it being legit independent.

Could Congo gain from being fully independent? Surely having full control over what trade deals and regulations it implements and adheres too could offer it further potential.

 

[Baron Steakpuncher]

Could Congo gain from being fully independent? Surely having full control over what trade deals and regulations it implements and adheres too could offer it further potential.

Well yes and no, while it might have more direct income from its resources (as opposed to a percent going to the Association) it would also lack the free trade with belgium and by extension the League of European nations.

 

[Pyramus]

Well yes and no, while it might have more direct income from its resources (as opposed to a percent going to the Association) it would also lack the free trade with belgium and by extension the League of European nations.

Belgium also might have member status of the LEN rather than just associate status if the didn't have free trade and open borders with the 'giant of Africa.

 

[Baron Steakpuncher]

Belgium also might have member status of the LEN rather than just associate status if the didn't have free trade and open borders with the 'giant of Africa.

Ugh, I keep getting confused with how all that works. Whats the difference between associate and member again?

 

[Old1812]

This topic reminded me, what are some good books on Leopold and the early years of the Congo colony? So far, I know of these:

Hearts of Light: Leopold's Congo and the African Empires

King Leopold II: Hero of Two Lands

One problem I have with both of these is that they're a bit too nice to him. Don't get me wrong, Leopold II was a rarity among the European rulers, and there are good reasons he's so beloved in the Congo, but the fact remains he was not totally immune to the prejudices of his time.

 

[SealTheRealDeal]

This topic reminded me, what are some good books on Leopold and the early years of the Congo colony? So far, I know of these:

Hearts of Light: Leopold's Congo and the African Empires

King Leopold II: Hero of Two Lands

One problem I have with both of these is that they're a bit too nice to him. Don't get me wrong, Leopold II was a rarity among the European rulers, and there are good reasons he's so beloved in the Congo, but the fact remains he was not totally immune to the prejudices of his time.

If you want to read about Leopold's dark side I would recommend "Bayonets to Lake Tanganyika" it details the Force Publique's expedition to end the Arab Slave Trade. The novel does a reasonably good job at detailing the massacres they committed in order to accomplish their noble mission, and the race relations between the white officers and the black soldiers.

 

[Old1812]

If you want to read about Leopold's dark side I would recommend "Bayonets to Lake Tanganyika" it details the Force Publique's expedition to end the Arab Slave Trade. The novel does a reasonably good job at detailing the massacres they committed in order to accomplish their noble mission, and the race relations between the white officers and the black soldiers.

Thanks, I liked that author's other works on African Imperialism.

 

[SealTheRealDeal]

Alright, as the poll stands now it seems a plurality (8 people) think Congo is headed for a rough future, but would probably manage to hold itself together. The next biggest group (6 people) believe it would still be a success, and very few (3) people think it would completely collapse.

Now on to my second question. If Leopold II squeezes it until a profit comes out, what happens to Belgium?