| Popis: |
This paper critically evaluates the establishment and operation of the Congo Free State and discusses its administration under Leopold through the framework of genocide as an aspect of international law. The spurious methods Leopold used to acquire the Congo are discussed so as to reveal his underlying rapacious motive for colonization. Leopold went on to construct a system responsible for the eradication of half the local population. He was able to sectionalize territories so that private companies could act in complete sovereignty, and by doing so, he eluded his promises of the Congo basin existing as a zone of free international trade. In this way Leopold codified his grip on the state's resources as he profited from deals struck with the companies. Ultimately, the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State served the purpose of maximizing the profit for King Leopold. The discussion of the result in Leopold's Congo is balanced with the complexity of the contention over genocide in terms of outcomes and intent. Using legal analysis, this document embarks on Leopold's conviction of genocide by distinguishing between general and specific intent, Leopold being guilty of the former. |
