The Crime of the Congo

"The Crime of the Congo" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work condemns the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under King Leopold II of Belgium, emphasizing the exploitation and suffering inflicted upon the native population masked under the guise of humanitarian efforts. It serves as a crucial historical document, detailing the reality of colonial exploitation and the horrors that ensued. The opening of the book presents a passionate preface by the author where he argues that the actions taken in the Congo are unparalleled in history for their combination of expropriation and brutality, all justly attributed to foul commercial motives disguised as philanthropy. Doyle references various accounts from British consuls, missionaries, and authors who documented the horrific practices, such as forced labor and extreme violence against Congolese people, to underscore the necessity of international intervention. This introduction sets the stage for a severe critique of colonialism and provides a bleak overview of the responsibility shared by those complicit in maintaining the exploitative regime in the Congo.