Belgian Empire Quotes

“Trading posts and colonies, gentlemen, have not only strengthened the commercial positions of the peoples concerned; these nations owe their greatness to these institutions.”
― Leopold II

“King Leopold II wanted to transform his little Belgians into an imperial nation capable of dominating and enlightening others.”
― Alexis Henri Brialmont

“King Leopold II desires a strong Belgium so that his wealth ceases to arouse envy among his neighbors; he also desires her to be strong, so that she can increase her heritage, float her flag on the seas, settle on distant beaches.”
― Alexis Henri Brialmont

“Cuba and Belgium are both countries of modest size, surrounded by large, powerful and often hostile powers.”
― José Martí

“King Ludwig is traceable everywhere. He is a builder and wise planner of monuments that touch the heart and soul of the entire German people. One day, the Belgian flag must fly on all five continents.”
― Leopold II

“Belgium should become the capital of the empire of Belgium, which, with the help of God, will consist of Borneo, islands in the Pacific, some places in Africa and America and also territories of China and Japan. I am the only one pursuing this for now, but by over-exposing the national fever, I will find support and create apostles.”
― Leopold II

“Leopold II laid the foundation for a common culture through education, a multi-ethnic ‘Force Publique’ that spoke Lingala, a meticulous administration and laws based on ‘zero tolerance’. He signed the state and is thus the father of Congo.”
― Jean-Pierre Nzeza Kabu Zex-Kongo, Léopold II Le plus grand chef d'Etat de l'histoire du Congo (Études africaines)

“Belgium does not owe its wealth to te exploitation of the Congo. In the 19th century, Belgium was the second-most industrialised country in the whole world. It is true that the colonisation of the Congo was undoubtedly an enterprise with an economic agenda that yielded much profits to those who took part of it, It is also undeniable that it had a favorable outcome for the Belgian economy. But it was also a "win-win" issue for all concerned, including the Congolese.”
― André de Maere d'Aertrycke

“Papers from Count Jules Greindl, who was the main collaborator of Leopold II in this curious affair, the author has drawn a very precise account, supplemented by documents. To take advantage of the financial ruin of Spain to make the Philippines a kingdom of its own, distinct from Belgium and then to form a company which would exploit the islands in the name of Spain, such were the successive ideas of Leopold. They failed both for lack of capital and for the reaction of Spanish pride. But they show, in Leopold II, the progress of the colonial idea with all the aspects that will then be found in the Congolese affair. When Henry Morton Stanley discovered the Congo, Leopold was ready.”
― Leopold Greindl, A la recherche d'un Etat Independent: Léopold II et les Philippines

“Mistrust of the foreigner is still at the bottom of the minds of the Chinese. One way if not to destroy, at least to mitigate these prejudices, would be to put the study committee under a neutral banner. The committee would be made up of capitalists and industrialists eager to prepare for the success of lucrative enterprises or of politicians willing to serve the cause of civilization with their help.”
― Auguste Baron Lambermont

“Personally, I have no other ambition than to devote to the service of the King all the goodwill and effort of which I will still be capable. I know it's a small thing.”
― Edmund Van Eetvelde

“I pray believe me when I express now, not only for myself, but for my fellow countrymen in this part of Africa, pur very sincere appreciation of your efforts on behalf of the general community efforts to promote goodwill among all and to bring together the various elements of our local life.”
― Théophile Wahis