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A Deeper Dive into the History of European Pro-Empire Propaganda and the Genesis of Belgian Imperialism

Salman Rushdie

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Published in Selling The Congo: A History Of European Pro Empire Propaganda And The Making Of Belgian Imperialism

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The ascent of European empires in the 19th century was not just a matter of military conquest and political maneuvering. It was also a battle for hearts and minds, a battle that was waged in large part through propaganda.

Selling the Congo: A History of European Pro-Empire Propaganda and the Making of Belgian Imperialism

by Matthew G. Stanard

4.4 out of 5

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Pro-empire propaganda was a powerful tool for shaping public opinion in favor of colonial expansion. It glorified the virtues of empire, portrayed colonized peoples as inferior, and justified the use of violence to maintain imperial control.

Belgium was a latecomer to the European colonial scramble, but it quickly became one of the most brutal and exploitative empires. The Congo Free State, which was the personal fiefdom of King Leopold II, was a scene of horrific atrocities. Millions of Congolese were killed, maimed, or enslaved in the pursuit of rubber and other resources.

The Belgian government and its supporters used a variety of propaganda techniques to justify their rule in the Congo. They portrayed the Congolese as uncivilized savages who needed to be brought under European control. They claimed that the Congo was a land of opportunity for Belgian settlers and investors. And they argued that the profits from the Congo would benefit all Belgians.

This propaganda was effective in convincing many Belgians that the Congo was a worthwhile investment. It also helped to create a climate of racism and discrimination that made it easy for the Belgian government to justify its atrocities in the Congo.

The Origins of European Pro-Empire Propaganda

The roots of European pro-empire propaganda can be traced back to the Enlightenment. During this period, European intellectuals began to argue that Europe was superior to other parts of the world. They believed that Europeans had a duty to civilize and Christianize the "uncivilized" peoples of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

This ideology of European superiority was used to justify the European powers' colonization of the world. Pro-empire propaganda played a key role in popularizing this ideology and making it acceptable to the general public.

The Techniques of Pro-Empire Propaganda

Pro-empire propaganda used a variety of techniques to shape public opinion. These techniques included:

Glorifying the empire: Pro-empire propaganda often portrayed the empire as a force for good in the world. It emphasized the benefits that empire brought to both the colonizers and the colonized.
Dehumanizing the colonized: Pro-empire propaganda often portrayed colonized peoples as inferior to Europeans. It described them as savages, barbarians, or heathens who needed to be brought under European control.
Justifying violence: Pro-empire propaganda often justified the use of violence to maintain imperial control. It argued that violence was necessary to protect the empire from its enemies and to ensure the safety of its citizens.

The Impact of Pro-Empire Propaganda on Belgian Imperialism

Pro-empire propaganda played a major role in the development of Belgian imperialism. It helped to create a climate of public opinion that was supportive of colonial expansion. It also provided the Belgian government with a justification for its brutal rule in the Congo.

The legacy of pro-empire propaganda can still be seen today in the attitudes of many Belgians towards Africa and its people. Many Belgians still believe that their country has a special responsibility to help Africa, and they often view African countries as being in need of European guidance and assistance.

Pro-empire propaganda was a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and justifying colonial expansion. It played a major role in the development of Belgian imperialism and its legacy can still be seen today.

It is important to remember that propaganda is not simply a matter of spreading lies. It can also involve the manipulation of facts and the use of emotional appeals to sway public opinion. It is important to be aware of the techniques of propaganda so that we can be more resistant to its influence.

Selling the Congo: A History of European Pro-Empire Propaganda and the Making of Belgian Imperialism

by Matthew G. Stanard

4.4 out of 5