King Leopold's Rule in Africa

King Leopold's Rule in Africa Author by Edmund Dene Morel, Original Publication Date: 1905

In this republished version of this powerful and eye-opening work, Edmund Dene Morel chronicles the ghastly outrages and terrible oppressions inflicted upon the indigenous populations of the Congo under the misrule of Belgian King Leopold II. Originally published in 1905, this meticulously researched exposé sheds light on the brutal exploitation of the region's resources, particularly rubber, extracted through forced labor and violence.

About the Author: Edmund Dene Morel was a remarkable figure-a French-born British journalist, author, pacifist, and politician. As a young official at the shipping company Elder Dempster, he witnessed the immense wealth generated by the export of Congo rubber and the import of guns and manacles. Morel astutely deduced that these riches came at the cost of human suffering. His tireless campaign against slavery in the Congo Free State led to the founding of the Congo Reform Association and the publication of the influential West African Mail.

During World War I, Morel played a significant role in the British pacifist movement. He co-founded the Union of Democratic Control and broke ties with the Liberal Party due to his antiwar activism. His imprisonment for six months further fueled his commitment to justice. After the war, he fearlessly criticized French aggression and mistreatment of the defeated Central Powers through his journal, Foreign Affairs.

In 1922, Morel was elected to Parliament as a Labour candidate, defeating none other than Winston Churchill. His legacy endures as a champion of human rights, a relentless advocate for justice, and a voice against oppression.

Edmund Dene Morel passed away on November 12, 1924, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who fight for truth, equality, and compassion. This republication of "King Leopold's Rule in Africa" brings this essential historical work back into the spotlight, inviting readers to confront the dark chapters of colonial history and honor the courage of those who dared to expose the truth. ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿