Podcast Summary: The Rest Is History, Episode 540 – Horror in the Congo: A Conspiracy Unmasked (Part 3)

Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 540 of The Rest Is History, hosts Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland delve deeper into the harrowing tale of the Congo Free State under King Leopold II. This episode, titled Horror in the Congo: A Conspiracy Unmasked (Part 3), focuses on Edmund Morel, a pivotal figure in exposing the atrocities committed in the Congo, and his collaboration with Roger Casement in combating Leopold's exploitative regime.

Edmund Morel: From Obscurity to Human Rights Champion

Dominic Sandbrook introduces Edmund Morel as the central hero of the episode. Morel, born in Paris in 1873 to a French father and English Quaker mother, becomes a British subject and works as a clerk for the Liverpool shipping company Elder Dempster. His role involves overseeing steamship operations to the Congo, which implicitly meant maintaining a beneficial relationship with King Leopold II.

At [03:49], Tom Holland narrates Morel's growing suspicions:

"Morel is standing there on the quayside at Antwerp and he's watching that scene... he starts to become suspicious of the ships that he sees."

Morel's investigative curiosity leads him to uncover discrepancies in the company's accounts versus the shipments of rubber and ivory—indications of rampant fraud orchestrated by Leopold.

Upon confronting his superiors, including Sir Alfred Jones, Morel faces resistance and subtle intimidation meant to silence him. By [11:44], Hochschild's insights are discussed, suggesting that Morel's moral compass may have been influenced by his Quaker upbringing, although this remains speculative.

Ultimately, in 1901, Morel resigns from Elder Dempster, dedicating himself to exposing the Congo Free State's atrocities. He declares his mission as:

"to do my best to expose and destroy what I then knew to be a legalized infamy accompanied by unimaginable barbarities and responsible for a vast destruction of human life." ([11:44])

Roger Casement: The Investigative Ally

Casement's background is briefly explored by Sandbrook at [20:46]. Born into a Protestant Dublin family, Casement worked in the Congo and later became Britain's consul. His firsthand experiences and subsequent reports were crucial in bringing Leopold's crimes to light. Despite facing personal struggles, including his sexuality, Casement's dedication never wavered.

A meeting between Morel and Casement is vividly recounted:

"From the moment our hands gripped and our eyes met, mutual trust and confidence were bred." ([27:18])

Together, they established the Congo Reform Association, significantly amplifying the campaign against Leopold.

Campaign Strategies and Public Mobilization

Morel's exceptional campaign strategies are highlighted, emphasizing his ability to marshal support across various societal strata. He tailored his messaging to resonate with businessmen, clergy, and the general public, securing endorsements from influential figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Notably, Morel pioneered the use of visual propaganda, showcasing graphic images of mutilated victims, which had a profound impact on public perception ([33:49]).

One of the most effective moments in the campaign, as Sandbrook notes, was the pivotal incident involving Colonel Henry I. Kowalski—a corrupt and narcoleptic lobbyist hired by Leopold. Kowalski's betrayal led to a media frenzy:

"In December 1906, the New York American, one of Hearst's papers, ran a headline: 'King Leopold's Amazing attempt to influence our Congress exposed.'" ([46:22])

This exposé shattered American public opinion in favor of Leopold, marking a significant turning point in the campaign.

King Leopold II's Countermeasures and Downfall

Despite his initial resistance, Leopold's attempts to reclaim control faltered under mounting pressure. His personal scandals, including his controversial relationship with Caroline Delacroix, further tarnished his image. The culmination of these efforts forced Leopold to relinquish control of the Congo to the Belgian government in 1908 for a staggering sum of 50 million francs. Leopold's death in 1909 marked the end of his direct involvement, but his legacy remained tainted.

At [50:52], Sandbrook reveals the tragic end of the commission investigating Leopold's regime:

"They talk to 400 witnesses... Two weeks later, [Costermans] cuts his throat with a razor and kills himself."

This haunting development underscored the depth of the atrocities and the personal toll on those confronting the truth.

Legacy and Continuing Atrocities

While Morel's efforts led to Leopold's downfall, the legacy of brutality continued under Belgian administration. Sandbrook acknowledges that although overt reports of atrocities diminished, forced labor and exploitation persisted, particularly in mining sectors.

The episode concludes by connecting historical events to contemporary issues, drawing parallels between past and present forms of exploitation and highlighting the enduring struggle for genuine human rights.

Notable Quotes

• Morel on his mission:

  "to do my best to expose and destroy what I then knew to be a legalized infamy accompanied by unimaginable barbarities and responsible for a vast destruction of human life." ([11:44])

• Casement describing Morel's impact:

  "From the moment our hands gripped and our eyes met, mutual trust and confidence were bred." ([27:18])

• Conan Doyle on Morel:

  "Morel was the single best, most effective activist, most effective leader of a campaign in British history." ([33:49])

Conclusion

Episode 540 of The Rest Is History provides an intricate and emotionally charged account of Edmund Morel's crusade against King Leopold II's Congo Free State. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Sandbrook and Holland illuminate the complexities of early human rights activism and its enduring implications. The episode underscores the power of individual conviction and the profound impact one man can have in unveiling systemic atrocities.

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