1885 ⟶ Leopold II of Belgium Claims Congo Free State

King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo Free State ...
Timelines Logo
Year
1884
1885
1904
1905

🌍 Berlin Conference: European Powers Divide Africa

1884–1885: The Berlin Conference signals the start of the European "scramble for Africa".⟶
Berlin Conference: European Powers Divide Africa (1884)
ImperialismColonialismScramble for AfricaEuropean ExpansionDiplomacyInternational RelationsOtto von Bismarck
GermanyGermanyUnited KingdomUnited KingdomFranceFranceBelgiumBelgiumPortugalPortugalSpainSpainItalyItaly

🇩🇪 Germany Establishes Protectorate over Cameroon

Germany gains control of Cameroon.⟶
Germany Establishes Protectorate over Cameroon (1884)
ColonialismImperialismScramble for AfricaGerman EmpireProtectorateExpansionismEuropean Powers
GermanyGermany

👑 Leopold II of Belgium Claims Congo Free State

King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo Free State as a personal fiefdom.⟶
Leopold II of Belgium Claims Congo Free State (1885)
ColonialismImperialismScramble for AfricaExploitationHuman Rights
BelgiumBelgiumDemocratic Republic of the CongoDemocratic Republic of the Congo

📜 Casement Report Exposes Atrocities in the Congo Free State

Roger Casement publishes his account of Belgian atrocities in the Congo Free State.⟶
Casement Report Exposes Atrocities in the Congo Free State (1904)
Human RightsColonialismAtrocitiesHumanitarian CrisisExploitationImperialismInternational Relations
BelgiumBelgiumDemocratic Republic of the CongoDemocratic Republic of the Congo

🇲🇦 The First Moroccan Crisis Begins

March 31: The First Moroccan Crisis begins, going until April 1906.⟶
The First Moroccan Crisis Begins (1905)
ImperialismColonialismDiplomacyInternational RelationsPre-World War IEntente CordialeScramble for Africa
MoroccoMoroccoFranceFranceGermanyGermany