“If you yield so much as an inch of the Congo, your old King will rise from his grave to blame you.” CongoLeopold IiBelgiumCongo Free StateBelgian CongoBelgian Colonial Empire Author:Leopold II
“There are no small countries, only small minds.” CongoLeopold IiBelgiumCongo Free StateBelgian Congo Author:Leopold II
“I undertook the Congo project in the interest of Civilization and for the good of Belgium.” CongoLeopold IiBelgiumBrusselsBelgian CongoCinquantinaireCongo Freev State Author:Leopold II
“Nations that renounce ambition are nations with no future.” CongoLeopold IiBelgiumCongo Free StateBelgian Congo Author:Leopold II
“We must ensure that it is not too clear that the Association of Congo and the African Association are two different businesses. The public doesn't understand that. It will assume that there are two phases, the first of which is no longer relevant.” CongoLeopold IiBelgiumCongo Free StateBelgian CongoLeopold Ii Of BelgiumBelgian ColonialismBelgian Colonial Empire Author:Leopold II
“It is not about Belgian colonies. It is about establishing a new state that is as large as possible and about its governance. It should be clear that in this project there can be no question of granting the Negroes the slightest form of political power. That would be ridiculous. The whites, who lead the posts, have all the power.” CongoLeopold IiBelgiumCongo Free StateBelgian CongoBelgian ColonialismBelgian Colonial EmpireLeopold Ii Ofbelgium Author:Leopold II
“A great future is reserved for the Congo, the immense value of which will soon become abundantly clear to all.” CongoLeopold IiCongo Free StateBelgian Congo Author:Leopold II
“Until the day of my death, in the same spirit of national interest that has guided me thus far, I will continue to lead and support our African work. But if the country should decide earlier to establish closer ties with my Congolese possessions, I will not hesitate to make them available to Belgium; I will be delighted if my country enjoys the full use of the Congo during my lifetime.” CongoLeopold IiCongo Free StateBelgian Congo Author:Leopold II
“The terms of the treaties Stanley has made with native chiefs do not satisfy me. There must at least be an added article to the effect that they delegate to us their sovereign rights, the treaties must be as brief as possible and in a couple of articles must grant us everything.” ColonialismCongoLeopold IiCongo Free StateBelgian CongoLeopold Ii Of BelgiumHenry Morton Stanley Author:Leopold II
“Young trees need stakes to support them, but the stakes must be removed once the trees begin to grow, precisely so not to hinder their growth.” Leopold IiBelgian Congo Author:Leopold II