Belgium's Colonial History and Atrocities

The video discusses the Berlin Conference, where European powers divided Africa without African input, leading to the Congo Free State under King Leopold II. Leopold's brutal Red Rubber System exploited the Congolese, resulting in millions of deaths. Despite Congo's independence in 1960, Belgium's colonial legacy persisted. Recent protests have challenged the narrative of Leopold's 'civilizing' mission, prompting Belgium's King Philippe to express regret, though not an apology.

What was the primary goal of the Berlin Conference?

• To establish trade routes in Asia

• To promote African independence

• To end slavery in Europe

• To divide Africa among European powers

Who was given control of the Congo Free State at the Berlin Conference?

• Queen Victoria of England

• King Leopold II of Belgium

• Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany

• President Carnot of France

What was the Red Rubber System?

• A trade agreement between European nations

• A cultural exchange program

• A military alliance in Africa

• A labor policy to maximize rubber extraction

How did the Force Publique enforce the Red Rubber System?

• By using modern weapons and violence

• By offering financial incentives

• By providing education to locals

• By negotiating with village leaders

What was one of the consequences of the Red Rubber System for the Congolese population?

• Cultural renaissance

• Increased economic prosperity

• Political independence

• Massive population decline

What action was taken against Leopold II after the atrocities in the Congo were revealed?

• He was imprisoned

• He was forced to sell the Congo Free State

• He was awarded a peace prize

• He was exiled to another country

What continued in the Congo even after the Red Rubber System was outlawed?

• Cultural exchange programs

• Brutal labor practices

• Economic prosperity

• Complete independence

How did Belgium portray its colonial history in the Congo for decades?

• As a scientific exploration

• As a military conquest

• As a humanitarian mission

• As a failed experiment

What recent movement has challenged the narrative of Belgium's colonial history?

• The Industrial Revolution

• The Black Lives Matter protests

• The Civil Rights Movement

• The Green Movement

What was King Philippe's response to Belgium's colonial past?

• He issued a full apology

• He expressed regret but did not apologize

• He denied any wrongdoing

• He ignored the issue