raharris1973
Well-known member
Inspired by:
Is it plausible for another power besides the Belgian state to take receivership of the Congo Free State after the scandal over Leopold's Congo Company and its atrocities breaks and the territory is removed from Leopold and the Company's control.
For instance, what if it's removed from Leopold/the Company, but the Belgian national government determines colonial governance/responsibility is beyond its depth and responsibility, could another power like like France, Germany, Portugal, or Britain take over the entirety of the former Free State in a buy-out. [If I recall correctly, Leopold was bought out by the Belgian government, rather than faced with an outright confiscation].
Would the non-purchasing, non-acquiring powers tolerate another power receiving this mineral rich territory at the heart of Africa, without flipping out, or would they inevitably force some alternate solution like a condominium, neutralization, compensation elsewhere for themselves, or partition?
Possibly after the scandal of Leopold's rule in the Congo rather than take it over themselves the Belgium government sells it to someone else. Germany might be the most likely option as by this time Bismarck has either relaxed his opposition to extra-European colonies or been removed himself and if say the scandal occurs earlier or Wilhelm II is somewhat less destructive of German diplomacy Britain especially wouldn't probably object and Germany would have the money.
Is it plausible for another power besides the Belgian state to take receivership of the Congo Free State after the scandal over Leopold's Congo Company and its atrocities breaks and the territory is removed from Leopold and the Company's control.
For instance, what if it's removed from Leopold/the Company, but the Belgian national government determines colonial governance/responsibility is beyond its depth and responsibility, could another power like like France, Germany, Portugal, or Britain take over the entirety of the former Free State in a buy-out. [If I recall correctly, Leopold was bought out by the Belgian government, rather than faced with an outright confiscation].
Would the non-purchasing, non-acquiring powers tolerate another power receiving this mineral rich territory at the heart of Africa, without flipping out, or would they inevitably force some alternate solution like a condominium, neutralization, compensation elsewhere for themselves, or partition?