This podcast episode delves into the history of the Congo Free State under King Leopold II, focusing on the events leading up to its establishment. The hosts discuss Leopold's ambition, his manipulative strategies to acquire the Congo (using seemingly charitable organizations as fronts and exploiting the ambiguity of treaties with African chiefs), and the role of key figures like Henry Morton Stanley. A crucial detail highlighted is Leopold's acquisition of the Congo not for Belgium, but for his personal gain, ultimately leading to immense suffering and death for millions of Congolese people. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the Congo Free State's atrocities in subsequent episodes. The hosts use the book "King Leopold's Ghost" by Adam Hochschild as a primary source.
