The setting of the 19th century was a large factor of the Congo Genocide. By the 19th century the industrial revolution was already in full effect and created divisions between other areas that have not yet industrialized. Beliefs of power and dominance over places like Africa paved a way for leaders to implement their own structure. However, more importantly, the ideals of money the industrial revolution created made it easy for King Leopold to force natives into slavery. Each of the components can be traced back to values and knew ideas that resulted from the industrial revolution.
After countries like Britain industrialized the gap in technology was far beyond Congo. Leopold possessed superior weaponry, medicines, and transportation that …show more content…
Under the illusion of a humanitarian, he started a cause to bring 'civilization' to Africa and to end the slavery Stanley reported. Many Europeans believed the Congo were savage and uncultured due to their biased as industrialized countries. Many excepted the claim that Africa was begging for colorization and were willing to accept that Leopold was there to provide for the Africans needs. Later, through similar racism and biased beliefs Leopold was able to persuade the United States to recognize Congo as Leopold’s. Furthermore, the spread of imperialism that followed the Industrial Revolution was a large factor that drove Leopold to colonize in Africa. Leopold want to grow his country and he was not afraid to deceive many people to get the land he wanted. Intimidated by empires like Britain and France, Leopold wanted to display the power Belgium could become through expansion and conquest. However, territory was not Leopold’s only …show more content…
Not only did Leopold see the opportunity for vast wealth, but he also knew the idea would appeal to others enough to condone slavery. Duiker and Spielvogel contribute a crucial factor of Britain's success in industrialization because of the ability to cheaply produce the product in greatest demand. This is similar in Leopold’s case. Congo had large amounts of ivory from elephants with larger tusks and rubber. Also, as a result of the industrialization, rubber was in high demand for use in tubing, hoses, and especially insulation in telegraphs and electrical wiring. Leopold owned the rights to the land already so at times when he didn’t have enough resources, he would lease land and take half the profits. Many companies benefited from Leopold’s expansion and were satisfied with the wealth stolen from the people of
After countries like Britain industrialized the gap in technology was far beyond Congo. Leopold possessed superior weaponry, medicines, and transportation that …show more content…
Under the illusion of a humanitarian, he started a cause to bring 'civilization' to Africa and to end the slavery Stanley reported. Many Europeans believed the Congo were savage and uncultured due to their biased as industrialized countries. Many excepted the claim that Africa was begging for colorization and were willing to accept that Leopold was there to provide for the Africans needs. Later, through similar racism and biased beliefs Leopold was able to persuade the United States to recognize Congo as Leopold’s. Furthermore, the spread of imperialism that followed the Industrial Revolution was a large factor that drove Leopold to colonize in Africa. Leopold want to grow his country and he was not afraid to deceive many people to get the land he wanted. Intimidated by empires like Britain and France, Leopold wanted to display the power Belgium could become through expansion and conquest. However, territory was not Leopold’s only …show more content…
Not only did Leopold see the opportunity for vast wealth, but he also knew the idea would appeal to others enough to condone slavery. Duiker and Spielvogel contribute a crucial factor of Britain's success in industrialization because of the ability to cheaply produce the product in greatest demand. This is similar in Leopold’s case. Congo had large amounts of ivory from elephants with larger tusks and rubber. Also, as a result of the industrialization, rubber was in high demand for use in tubing, hoses, and especially insulation in telegraphs and electrical wiring. Leopold owned the rights to the land already so at times when he didn’t have enough resources, he would lease land and take half the profits. Many companies benefited from Leopold’s expansion and were satisfied with the wealth stolen from the people of