Latest / The History of Belgium: A Small Country with a Giant Colonial Legacy — Fexingo History
Belgium's Post-War Decolonization and the Congo Crisis
This episode examines the turbulent years following World War II, when Belgium’s grip on its colonies began to fracture under global pressure and internal dissent. We trace the shift from King Leopold II’s brutal personal rule to the Belgian state’s reluctant stewardship of the Belgian Congo, highlighting the rise of the évolués class who demanded political equality. The narrative culminates in the chaotic independence of June 30, 1960, focusing on the pivotal moment when Patrice Lumumba delivered his impromptu speech at the Palais de la Nation in Léopoldville. We also explore the immediate…
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