Tod Olson details the life of the Belgian monarch responsible for the colonization of the Congo Free State. The narrative follows Leopold II as he creates a private empire under the guise of humanitarian outreach and scientific discovery. Olson explains how the King circumvented international treaties to establish the Force Publique, a mercenary army used to enforce rubber and ivory quotas. The text describes the specific methods of terror, including the systematic mutilation of workers, which resulted in the deaths of millions of Congolese people.
This biography is intended for middle-grade and high school students who are looking for a factual account of colonial history and the mechanics of absolute power. Readers gain a clear understanding of the architectural and economic legacy Leopold left in Brussels, funded entirely by exploitation. The book provides a case study in how propaganda can hide mass atrocities from the global public. By the end, the reader understands the historical roots of modern political instability in Central Africa and the lasting impact of European imperialism.
- Published
- 2008
- Language
- EN
