Belgium and the Congo, 1885-1980

This book explores the effects of colonialism on Belgium and the Congo, from 1880 to 1980, examining the impact on domestic politics, diplomacy, and economics. It also contributes to a better understanding of Congo's past and present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 299 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

While the impact of a colonizing metropole on subjected territories has been widely scrutinized, the effect of empire on the colonizing country has long been neglected. Recently, many studies have examined the repercussions of their respective empires on colonial powers such as the United Kingdom and France. Belgium and its African empire have been conspicuously absent from this discussion. This book attempts to fill this gap.

Belgium and the Congo, 1885–1980 examines the effects of colonialism on the domestic politics, diplomacy, and economics of Belgium, from 1880 - when King Leopold II began the country's expansionist enterprises in Africa - to the 1980s, well after the Congo's independence in June of 1960. By examining the colonial impact on its mother country Belgium, this study also contributes to a better understanding of Congo's past and present.

Colonialism had a profound impact on Belgium and the Congo, both politically and economically. Belgium gained control of the Congo in the late 19th century and exploited its natural resources for profit. The colony was characterized by forced labor, human rights abuses, and economic exploitation. The Belgian government also imposed its culture and language on the Congolese people, leading to cultural assimilation and resistance.

The impact of colonialism on Belgium was also significant. The country became heavily indebted to finance its expansionist projects in Africa, and the colony's economic growth contributed to the country's economic development. However, the exploitation of the Congo also led to social and political unrest in Belgium, as the country's wealth was concentrated in the hands of a small elite.

The Congo's independence in 1960 marked a significant turning point in the country's history. The country was able to develop its own economy and political system, and it began to address the legacy of colonialism. However, the country faced many challenges, including poverty, corruption, and political instability.

In conclusion, Belgium and the Congo, 1885–1980 is an important book that examines the effects of colonialism on both the colonizing country and the colonized territory. The study provides a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted relationship between colonialism and the development of Belgium and the Congo. By examining the colonial impact on its mother country Belgium, the study also contributes to a better understanding of Congo's past and present.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107449312