Guide de la section de l'État indépendant du Congo à l'exposition de Bruxelles-Tervuren en 1897 1897

This is the guide to the Congo section of the Brussels International Exposition, published in 1897. It gives a sense of how King Leopold II of Belgium sought to present his colonial project to the public. The guide is a carefully constructed piece of propaganda, designed to showcase the supposed benefits of Belgian rule in the Congo Free State. It uses images and text to create a narrative of progress and civilization, while obscuring the brutal realities of exploitation and violence that were endemic to the colony. The guide also reveals the way that international expositions were used as a tool of imperial power. By showcasing the resources and people of the Congo, Leopold sought to legitimize his rule and attract investment. To fully understand this guide, we need to consult a range of sources, including colonial archives, missionary records, and the testimonies of Congolese people. Only then can we begin to grasp the full horror of what was done in the Congo in the name of progress and civilization.