Famous Writers Famous Writers Against Against

an Infamous Kingan Infamous King

Miroslav Atanasov, Ph.D.Miroslav Atanasov, Ph.D.

Famous Writers Against Famous Writers Against an Infamous Kingan Infamous King

Classic British and American Classic British and American literature exposing the horrors literature exposing the horrors

of the Congo Free Stateof the Congo Free State

IntroductionIntroductionAt times of great crises, disasters, and historical tragedies, often At times of great crises, disasters, and historical tragedies, often

individuals would rise who speak the truth and raise their voices for individuals would rise who speak the truth and raise their voices for righteousness. As a result beautiful writings and memorable speeches can be righteousness. As a result beautiful writings and memorable speeches can be

birthed and we are enriched as future generations to those dark times!birthed and we are enriched as future generations to those dark times!

In this lecture we will learn the learn the followingIn this lecture we will learn the learn the following::

I. I. The obscure and sad history of the The obscure and sad history of the Congo Free State (1885-1908).Congo Free State (1885-1908).

II. II. Some powerful pieces of activist literature Some powerful pieces of activist literature brought about in regards to that period.brought about in regards to that period.

I. Historical BackgroundI. Historical Background

The Perpetrator.The Perpetrator. The Great Deception.The Great Deception. The African Holocaust.The African Holocaust. The Campaign for Reforms.The Campaign for Reforms. The Reluctant Transfer of a Country. The Reluctant Transfer of a Country.

The PerpetratorThe Perpetrator

The Second Monarch of The Second Monarch of Belgium (1865-1909).Belgium (1865-1909).

Ambitious to have a colony.Ambitious to have a colony. Greedy for glory and wealth.Greedy for glory and wealth. Good at public relations.Good at public relations. One of the worst criminals One of the worst criminals

in human historyin human history

King Leopold IIKing Leopold II (1835-1909) (1835-1909)

The Great DeceptionThe Great Deception

Brussels Geographical Conference of Brussels Geographical Conference of 1876.1876.

International African Association; International African Association; International Congo Association.International Congo Association.

Henry Morton Stanley.Henry Morton Stanley. Berlin Conference for Africa 1884-85.Berlin Conference for Africa 1884-85. Congo Free State – 1885.Congo Free State – 1885.

H. M. StanleyH. M. Stanley

Berlin Conference for AfricaBerlin Conference for Africa

The Scramble for Africa (1885-1914)The Scramble for Africa (1885-1914)

L'Etat Indépendant du L'Etat Indépendant du CCongoongo

Flag of the Congo Free StateFlag of the Congo Free State

EU flagEU flag

The African HolocaustThe African Holocaust

1. First few years were difficult and not profitable 1. First few years were difficult and not profitable for Leopold. The main export was for Leopold. The main export was ivoryivory..

2. The invention of the pneumatic tire in Ireland 2. The invention of the pneumatic tire in Ireland by by John DunlopJohn Dunlop in 1890 changed everything. in 1890 changed everything.

3. The 3. The rubber boomrubber boom in the West and the in the West and the rubber rubber terrorterror in the Congo. in the Congo.

4. Forced labor enforced by the 4. Forced labor enforced by the Force PubliqueForce Publique..

5. Kidnapping, Murders, Rape, and Mutilations.5. Kidnapping, Murders, Rape, and Mutilations.

Rubber Boom Rubber Boom

Rubber TerrorRubber Terror

Forced LaborForced Labor

Kidnappings and RapeKidnappings and Rape

Reign of Horror and DevastationReign of Horror and Devastation

Starvation Burnt VillagesStarvation Burnt Villages

MutilationsMutilations

NSALA meets Alice S. HarrisNSALA meets Alice S. Harris

Nsala of WalaNsala of Wala

Alice S. HarrisAlice S. Harris

Congo Reform AssociationCongo Reform Association(1904-1913)(1904-1913)

Edmund D. MorelEdmund D. Morel

Roger CasementRoger Casement

The King is ExposedThe King is Exposed

Expert OpinionExpert Opinion Leopold: “Silly fuss they’re making about these so-called atrocities in my Congo property.”Leopold: “Silly fuss they’re making about these so-called atrocities in my Congo property.”

Abdul: “Only talk, my dear boy. They won’t do anything. They never touched me.”Abdul: “Only talk, my dear boy. They won’t do anything. They never touched me.”

The Great DeceiverThe Great Deceiver

Humanitarian Pretext Humanitarian Pretext What Leopold II promised What Leopold II promised to do in the Congo:to do in the Congo:

1. Civilization.1. Civilization.2. Science.2. Science.3. Christianity.3. Christianity.4. Eradication of the 4. Eradication of the Arabic slave trade.Arabic slave trade.5. Education.5. Education.6. Medical advances.6. Medical advances.

Destructive ImpactDestructive ImpactWhat Leopold II actually What Leopold II actually did to the Congo.did to the Congo.

1. Enslavement of the local 1. Enslavement of the local population.population.2. Plunder of tons of ivory, 2. Plunder of tons of ivory, rubber, and other raw materials.rubber, and other raw materials.3. Spread of diseases.3. Spread of diseases.4. Starvation and devastation.4. Starvation and devastation.5. Rape, murder, and mutilation.5. Rape, murder, and mutilation.6. Destruction of over 10 million 6. Destruction of over 10 million innocent African lives.innocent African lives.

The End of Leopold’s TerrorThe End of Leopold’s Terror

1. 1. Theodore RooseveltTheodore Roosevelt, President of the United , President of the United States, gives speeches against the Congo regime States, gives speeches against the Congo regime and refuses to grant permission of the King to visit and refuses to grant permission of the King to visit the USA in 1906.the USA in 1906.

2. Voices in 2. Voices in Great BritainGreat Britain call for a naval blockade call for a naval blockade of the Congo River in order to stop the butchery. of the Congo River in order to stop the butchery.

3. In 1908 3. In 1908 BelgiumBelgium annexes Congo as a colony to annexes Congo as a colony to the state and changed its name to Belgian Congo.the state and changed its name to Belgian Congo.

4. 4. Leopold IILeopold II, exposed as a , exposed as a mass criminalmass criminal, dies a , dies a year later, but abuses continue in the Congo. year later, but abuses continue in the Congo.

5. 5. BelgiumBelgium continues to rob, plunder, and exploit continues to rob, plunder, and exploit Congo for another 52 years.Congo for another 52 years.

6. 6. Patrice LumumbaPatrice Lumumba, a socialist and the leader of , a socialist and the leader of Congolese independence, is assassinated by Congolese independence, is assassinated by Belgium in 1961.Belgium in 1961.

Teddy Roosevelt

Patrice Lumumba

II. Great Works of LiteratureII. Great Works of Literature

Six classics writings from various genreSix classics writings from various genre: : Open Letter – G. W. WilliamsOpen Letter – G. W. Williams Novella – Joseph ConradNovella – Joseph Conrad Soliloquy – Mark TwainSoliloquy – Mark Twain Non-fiction expose – A. Conan DoyleNon-fiction expose – A. Conan Doyle Poetry – N. Vachel LindsayPoetry – N. Vachel Lindsay Popular history – Adam HochschildPopular history – Adam Hochschild

George Washington WilliamsGeorge Washington Williams(1849-1891)(1849-1891)

American Civil War veteran – American Civil War veteran – Military Colonel.Military Colonel.

Baptist Minister.Baptist Minister. Lawyer. Lawyer. Politician.Politician. Historian.Historian. Journalist and Editor.Journalist and Editor. Author of Author of The History of the Negro The History of the Negro

Race in America 1619–1880Race in America 1619–1880, the , the first first history book on African history book on African Americans. Americans.

An Open Letter toAn Open Letter to the Belgian King the Belgian King and a Report to the American Presidentand a Report to the American President

GenreGenre: : An open letter An open letter intended to be read by a wide audience, or intended to be read by a wide audience, or written for an written for an individual, individual, butbut for the purpose of for the purpose of widewide distributdistribution. It is normally intended to ion. It is normally intended to express a public stance on issues, often critical, and to cause public debate. express a public stance on issues, often critical, and to cause public debate.

This was the first public document expressing discontent about the harsh This was the first public document expressing discontent about the harsh conditions of Leopold’s regime. G.W. Williams had witnessed those conditions of Leopold’s regime. G.W. Williams had witnessed those personally on a visit to the Congo in 1890. As a result he published personally on a visit to the Congo in 1890. As a result he published An Open An Open Letter to His Serene Majesty Leopold II, King of the Belgians and Sovereign Letter to His Serene Majesty Leopold II, King of the Belgians and Sovereign of the Independentof the Independent State of CongoState of Congo and also and also A Report Upon the Congo-State A Report Upon the Congo-State and Country to the President of the Republic of the United Statesand Country to the President of the Republic of the United States..

Unfortunately, the author did not live long enough to continue the historic Unfortunately, the author did not live long enough to continue the historic fight for justice he had begun, but on his way back from Africa, died in England fight for justice he had begun, but on his way back from Africa, died in England from tuberculosis and pleurisy in 1891.from tuberculosis and pleurisy in 1891.

An Open Letter to His Serene Majesty Leopold II, King of the An Open Letter to His Serene Majesty Leopold II, King of the Belgians and Sovereign of the Independent State of CongoBelgians and Sovereign of the Independent State of Congo

All the crimes perpetrated in the Congo have been All the crimes perpetrated in the Congo have been done in your name, and you must answer at the bar of done in your name, and you must answer at the bar of Public Sentiment for the misgovernment of a people, whose Public Sentiment for the misgovernment of a people, whose lives and fortunes were entrusted you by the august lives and fortunes were entrusted you by the august Conference of Berlin, 1884-1885. Conference of Berlin, 1884-1885.

I now appeal to the Powers,I now appeal to the Powers, which committed this which committed this infant Stateinfant State to your Majesty’s charge, and to the great to your Majesty’s charge, and to the great States which gave it international being; and whose States which gave it international being; and whose majestic law you have scorned and trampled upon, to call majestic law you have scorned and trampled upon, to call and create anand create an international Commission to investigate the international Commission to investigate the charges herein preferred in thecharges herein preferred in the name of Humanity, name of Humanity, Commerce, Constitutional Government and Christian Commerce, Constitutional Government and Christian Civilisation. Civilisation.

Joseph ConradJoseph Conrad(1857-1924)(1857-1924)

Born to Polish Parents in Ukraine.Born to Polish Parents in Ukraine. His father was a writer, translator, and His father was a writer, translator, and

activist for Poland’s independence activist for Poland’s independence from Russia.from Russia.

Moved to England in his twenties to Moved to England in his twenties to work as a seaman on British ships. work as a seaman on British ships.

His travels inspired his writing career.His travels inspired his writing career. Advocate on social and political Advocate on social and political

issues.issues.

Heart of Darkness Heart of Darkness (1899)(1899)

GenreGenre: : A A novellanovella is a written, fictional, prose is a written, fictional, prose narrativenarrative normally longer than anormally longer than a short storyshort storybut shorter than a but shorter than a novelnovel. .

1. Having served as a captain of a steam ship in the 1. Having served as a captain of a steam ship in the Congo, J. Conrad, witnessed the horrors of the Congo, J. Conrad, witnessed the horrors of the regime of the Belgian King and his sadistic agents.regime of the Belgian King and his sadistic agents.

2. In his most famous work 2. In his most famous work Heart of Darkness Heart of Darkness Conrad skillfully explores Conrad skillfully explores the beliefs the beliefs held on the held on the constitution of constitution of barbarianbarbarianism versus civilization.ism versus civilization. He He lifts up racism as the main justification for lifts up racism as the main justification for colonialismcolonialism and and the new European the new European imperialismimperialism in Africa in Africa. .

Heart of DarknessHeart of Darkness

Marlow offers this comment as a preface to his main taleMarlow offers this comment as a preface to his main tale.  . 

The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too muchourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much . (p. 7). (p. 7)

Marlow Marlow says the following in regard to Mr. says the following in regard to Mr. Kurtz's backgroundKurtz's background. . 

All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz, and by and by I learned All Europe contributed to the making of Kurtz, and by and by I learned that most appropriately the International Society for the Suppression of that most appropriately the International Society for the Suppression of Savage Customs had entrusted him with the making of a report for its Savage Customs had entrusted him with the making of a report for its future guidancefuture guidance.. (p.49) (p.49)

Mark TwainMark Twain(1835-1910)(1835-1910)

Born in Florida, Missouri, USA. Born in Florida, Missouri, USA. Samuel Clemens (real name). Samuel Clemens (real name). Reporter, humorist, traveler, Reporter, humorist, traveler,

lecturer, and public speaker.lecturer, and public speaker. Called “the father of American Called “the father of American

literature.”literature.” Author of several classic works Author of several classic works

such as such as The Adventures of Tom The Adventures of Tom SawyerSawyer, , Life on the MississippiLife on the Mississippi,, andand The Adventures of Huckleberry FinnThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn..

Civil Rights activistCivil Rights activist..

King Leopold’s Soliloquy: A Defense King Leopold’s Soliloquy: A Defense of His Congo Rule of His Congo Rule (1905)(1905)

GenreGenre: : A A soliloquysoliloquy (from Latin (from Latin solosolo "to "to oneself" + oneself" + loquorloquor "I talk") is a device often used in drama when"I talk") is a device often used in drama when a charactera character speaks speaks to himself orto himself or herself, relatingherself, relating thoughts and feelings, thereby also thoughts and feelings, thereby also sharing them with the audience. Other characters, however, are sharing them with the audience. Other characters, however, are not aware ofnot aware of what is being saidwhat is being said, which makes it d, which makes it distinct from istinct from a a monologuemonologue. .

In this In this work of political satire work of political satire Leopold II discusses his Leopold II discusses his actionsactions in in the Congo and the Congo and speakspeaks s in his own defense.in his own defense. In this classis piece of In this classis piece of literature the king madly raves about the good he has done for literature the king madly raves about the good he has done for the Congo, and denies the international criticism about his the Congo, and denies the international criticism about his immense personal profits and terrible crimes there. immense personal profits and terrible crimes there.

King Leopold’s SoliloquyKing Leopold’s Soliloquy

On the mediaOn the media: : In these twenty years I have spent millions to keep the press of the two In these twenty years I have spent millions to keep the press of the two hemispheres quiet, and still these leaks keep on occurring. I have spent other hemispheres quiet, and still these leaks keep on occurring. I have spent other millions on religion and art, and what do I get for it? Nothing. Not a compliment. millions on religion and art, and what do I get for it? Nothing. Not a compliment. These generosities are studiedly ignored, in print.These generosities are studiedly ignored, in print.

On the cameraOn the camera: : The only witness I have encountered in my long experience that I couldn’t bribe.The only witness I have encountered in my long experience that I couldn’t bribe.

On AmericansOn Americans: : Oh, well, let them blackguard me if they like; it is a deep satisfaction to me to Oh, well, let them blackguard me if they like; it is a deep satisfaction to me to remember that I was a shade too smart forremember that I was a shade too smart for that nation that thinks itself so smart. that nation that thinks itself so smart. Yes, I certainly did bunco a YankeeYes, I certainly did bunco a Yankee —— as those people phrase it. Pirate flag? Let as those people phrase it. Pirate flag? Let them call it soothem call it soo —— perhaps it is. All the same, they were the first to salute it. perhaps it is. All the same, they were the first to salute it.

Sir Sir Arthur Conan DoyleArthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)(1859-1930)

Born in Edinburgh, Born in Edinburgh, Scotland to Irish parents.Scotland to Irish parents.

Physician by education, but Physician by education, but his medical career was his medical career was unsuccessful.unsuccessful.

Most noted for his fictional Most noted for his fictional stories about the famous stories about the famous

detective detective Sherlock HolmesSherlock Holmes.. Knighted in 1902 by King Knighted in 1902 by King

Edward VII. Edward VII.

The Crime of the Congo The Crime of the Congo (1909)(1909)

DefinitionDefinition: Non-fiction : Non-fiction EXPOSÉEXPOSÉ (French "revealed"): (French "revealed"): A journalistic or literary revelation or exposureA journalistic or literary revelation or exposure ——especially of something discreditable or scandalous.especially of something discreditable or scandalous.

"Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's new book, 'The Crime "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's new book, 'The Crime of the Congo,' is the most powerful indictment of the Congo,' is the most powerful indictment yet launched against the Belgian rulers of this yet launched against the Belgian rulers of this bloodstained colony. After reviewing the early bloodstained colony. After reviewing the early history of the Congo Free State Sir Arthur quotes history of the Congo Free State Sir Arthur quotes the testimony of many unimpeachable witnesses the testimony of many unimpeachable witnesses regarding the brutalities of the 'rubber system' and the regarding the brutalities of the 'rubber system' and the coldblooded mutilation and massacre of natives during coldblooded mutilation and massacre of natives during the past fifteen years."the past fifteen years."-- Daily Express.Daily Express.

The Crime of the CongoThe Crime of the Congo

We have all failed at times. But never has there been failure so hopeless, We have all failed at times. But never has there been failure so hopeless, so shocking, bearing such consequences to the world, such degradation to so shocking, bearing such consequences to the world, such degradation to the good name of Christianity and civilization as the failure of the Belgians the good name of Christianity and civilization as the failure of the Belgians in the Congo.in the Congo.

The curse of blood and the scorn of every honest man rest The curse of blood and the scorn of every honest man rest upon them already. Would that they were within the reach of human upon them already. Would that they were within the reach of human justice also! Theyjustice also! They have been guilty of the sack of a country, the spoliation have been guilty of the sack of a country, the spoliation of a nation, the greatest crime in all history, the greater for having been of a nation, the greatest crime in all history, the greater for having been carried out under carried out under an odious pretence of philanthropy. Surely somehow, an odious pretence of philanthropy. Surely somehow, somewhere, they will have their reward!somewhere, they will have their reward!

Nicholas Vachel LindsayNicholas Vachel Lindsay (1879-1931)(1879-1931)

Born in Springfield, Illinois, USA.Born in Springfield, Illinois, USA. Famous Famous American American poet and poet and

performance artist.performance artist. Father of the modern genre of Father of the modern genre of

““singing poetrysinging poetry,”,” in which verses in which verses are meant to be sung or chanted.are meant to be sung or chanted.

Advocate for African Americans.Advocate for African Americans. CongoCongo was his most famous poem. was his most famous poem.

The Congo: A Study of The Congo: A Study of the Negro Racethe Negro Race (1913)(1913)

Listen to the yell of Leopold's ghostListen to the yell of Leopold's ghostBurning in Hell for his hand-maimed host.Burning in Hell for his hand-maimed host.

Hear how the demons chuckle and yellHear how the demons chuckle and yellCutting his hands off, down in Hell.Cutting his hands off, down in Hell.Listen to the creepy proclamation,Listen to the creepy proclamation,

Blown through the lairs of the forest-nation,Blown through the lairs of the forest-nation,Blown past the white-ants' hill of clay,Blown past the white-ants' hill of clay,

Blown past the marsh where the butterflies playBlown past the marsh where the butterflies play!!

Adam HochschildAdam Hochschild (1942)(1942)

American writer, journalist, American writer, journalist, lecturer and commentator. lecturer and commentator.

Graduate of Harvard University Graduate of Harvard University with a BA in History and with a BA in History and Literature.Literature.

Civil Rights activist.Civil Rights activist. New York Times best-selling New York Times best-selling

author.author. Recipient of numerous awards Recipient of numerous awards

for writing.for writing. Presently lecturer at University of Presently lecturer at University of

California, Berkeley.California, Berkeley.

King Leopold’s GhostKing Leopold’s Ghost (1998)(1998)

Genre Genre : : Popular historyPopular history is a broad is a broad genregenre of of historiographyhistoriography tthathat takes a popular approach, aims at a wide readership, takes a popular approach, aims at a wide readership, aandnd usually emphasizes usually emphasizes narrativenarrative, , personalitypersonality and vivid and vivid ddetailetail over over academic academic scholarly analysis. scholarly analysis.

The book was rejected by nine publishers, but then The book was rejected by nine publishers, but then unexpectedly became an international best-seller and unexpectedly became an international best-seller and winner of winner of prestigious prestigious awards. awards.

Hochschild vividly describes the tyranny of Leopold II in Hochschild vividly describes the tyranny of Leopold II in the Congo, and lifts up the problem of the present-day the Congo, and lifts up the problem of the present-day historical denial by Belgium of that African Holocaust that historical denial by Belgium of that African Holocaust that took place under the Free State’s barbaric rule.took place under the Free State’s barbaric rule.

Parc du CinquantenaireParc du CinquantenaireBrussels, Brussels, BelgiumBelgium

Royal Museum for Central AfricaRoyal Museum for Central AfricaTervuren, BelgiumTervuren, Belgium

King Leopold’s Ghost: King Leopold’s Ghost: The Great ForgettingThe Great Forgetting (Chapter 19) (Chapter 19)

In none of the museum’s galleries is there the slightest In none of the museum’s galleries is there the slightest hint that millions of Congolese met unnatural deaths. hint that millions of Congolese met unnatural deaths. There is no hint of these deaths anywhere in Brussels. The There is no hint of these deaths anywhere in Brussels. The Rue Brederode where part of the Congo administration and Rue Brederode where part of the Congo administration and the most important Congo companies once had the most important Congo companies once had headquarters, still run past the back of the Royal Palace. headquarters, still run past the back of the Royal Palace. But today the spot where Joseph Conrad had his job But today the spot where Joseph Conrad had his job interview is occupied by a government tax-collection office. interview is occupied by a government tax-collection office. On another side of the palace, a larger-than-life statue of On another side of the palace, a larger-than-life statue of Leopold on horseback stares metalically out at a freeway Leopold on horseback stares metalically out at a freeway underpass. And yet the blood spilled in the Congo, the underpass. And yet the blood spilled in the Congo, the stolen land, the severed hands, the shattered families, and stolen land, the severed hands, the shattered families, and orphaned children, underlie much that meets the eye.orphaned children, underlie much that meets the eye.

Other Famous Writers Against Other Famous Writers Against the Infamous Kingthe Infamous King

Booker T. Booker T. WashingtonWashington

Leopold II of the Belgians Leopold II of the Belgians WWilliam illiam SSheppardheppard

Anatole FranceAnatole France

Jules MarchalJules Marchal

ConclusionConclusionExtraordinary times require extraordinary persons who are willing to go Extraordinary times require extraordinary persons who are willing to go

against the current and raise their voice for truth. While Leopold II has been against the current and raise their voice for truth. While Leopold II has been

virtually forgotten from historical memory, mostly everyone knows the virtually forgotten from historical memory, mostly everyone knows the

names of M. Twain, A. C. Doyle, B. T. Washington, and Anatole France!names of M. Twain, A. C. Doyle, B. T. Washington, and Anatole France!

Besides learning history and being introduced to some classic pieces of Besides learning history and being introduced to some classic pieces of

English and American literature today, what can we say are the moral lessons English and American literature today, what can we say are the moral lessons

we gather from these great authors of the past?we gather from these great authors of the past?

True loveTrue love. . Show care and compassion for those who suffer injustice! Show care and compassion for those who suffer injustice! BraveryBravery. Don’t be afraid to be different and take a stand for truth!. Don’t be afraid to be different and take a stand for truth! HumilityHumility. Respect all human beings regardless of their race or background!. Respect all human beings regardless of their race or background! PersistencePersistence.. Don’t give up when you are sure of the rightness of your cause! Don’t give up when you are sure of the rightness of your cause! ValuesValues. The end does not justify the means: virtue is more important than profit! . The end does not justify the means: virtue is more important than profit!

“ “It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness!” It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness!”

Confucius Confucius