This narrative of the creation, development and collapse both of King Leopold's regime, and of the Belgian colony that replaced it, provides insight into the nature of European colonialism in Africa and the consequences for Europe itself.

Introduction Part I. Antecedents, Belgium and Africa 1. Belgium, the Coburgs and the Search for Colonies 2. Europe and Africa Part II. Foundations 3. Cameron's Journey Across Africa 4. The Brussels Geographical Conference 5. Henry Morton Stanley 6. The Comite d'Etudes du Haut-Congo 7. Stanley and de Brazza Part III. Acquisition 8. The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty 9. The Campaign for Recognition 10. The Berlin West Africa Conference 11. The Creation of the Free State Part IV. Consolidation and Expansion 12. The Early Years 13. The Drive to the Nile 1. The 'Rescue of Amin Pasha 14. Katanga and the Arabs 15. The Drive to the Nile 2. Leopold's 'Fashoda' Part V. Nemesis 16. The Domainal System 17. E.D. Morel 18. The Casement Report 19. The Losing Battle Part VI. Consequences 21. Belgian Colonialism 22. Africa's Legacy Chronology Notes Bibliography Index