Class Discussion

1. A question that is still lingering after the discussion is, was Leopolds incentive in not giving Africans the right in money transactions to keep them from gaining power or simply because he thought they could not handle the power?

2. Our group worked well together, however, sometimes the conversation felt dominated. Although there were opportunities to talk it felt un-valuable. Most discussion questions did lead to meaningful conversations.

Chapter 1: King Leopold's Ghost

"Underlying much of Europe's excitement was the hope that Africa would be a source of raw materials to feed the Industrial Revolution, just as the search for raw materials, slaves, for the colonial plantation economy had driven most of Europe's earlier dealings with Africa" (Hochschild 27). 

This quote supports what we have been discussing in class. It shows how the Europeans used Africa to expand their resources and to benefit Europe and the Industrial Revolution. They wanted an imperialistic power over Africa primarily to gain power and resources.

Also, it shows how the Europeans viewed imperialism. "But Europeans liked to think of themselves as having higher motives. The British, in particular, fervently believed in bringing 'civilization' and Christianity  to the natives" (Hochschild 27). They liked to believe that their motives would benefit the Africans and the Europeans.

• What is Stanley's significance and relation to King Leopold? 

• Why does Stanley like to make up events in his past that never happened? And does he engrave them into his history in which he believes they are true?

What I learned in class Sep. 2, 2010

In class today I learned a lot of information about imperialism that I did not know about before. I was not aware of all of the colonizing countries, colonized countries, countries exercising imperial power, and countries affected by imperial power. I also became very informed about Europe from 1871-1914. About how they colonized many countries in Africa and what their motives were.