Podcasts about Berlin Conference

International conference that regulated European colonisation and trade in Africa

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Best podcasts about Berlin Conference

Latest podcast episodes about Berlin Conference

Entrepreneurial Appetite's Black Book Discussions
Justice For Marcus Garvey: A Conversation with Dr. Julius Garvey

Entrepreneurial Appetite's Black Book Discussions

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 46:35 Transcription Available


Uncover the untold legacy of Marcus Garvey with our special guest, Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the iconic leader. Dr. Garvey sheds light on his father's extraordinary journey from Jamaica to becoming a beacon of Black empowerment across the globe. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, we explore how pivotal events and figures like the Berlin Conference and Booker T. Washington shaped Marcus Garvey's vision, and how this legacy continues to inspire global Black communities today.Dr. Garvey shares the compelling story of his father's politically charged trial, orchestrated by the FBI to tarnish and criminalize his revolutionary efforts. We dismantle the myths around Garvey, revealing the truth behind the accusations and the ongoing fight to restore his reputation. By drawing parallels with figures like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, we underscore the persistent struggle against systemic oppression and the urgent need for historical justice and equality.The episode also broadens its focus to the influence of Black booksellers as cultural bastions, the ideological dynamics between Garvey's organization and the NAACP, and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the Garvey legacy. Through contributions from cultural nationalists and legal experts, we revisit the powerful messages of unity and empowerment that Marcus Garvey championed. Dr. Garvey's personal stories and reflections offer a rich narrative on how historical legacies continue to shape modern entrepreneurial journeys and community leadership.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/c/EA_BookClub

Unlocking Africa
Culture, Creativity & Community: How The Africa Centre Has Built a Home for African Heritage in the UK Since 1964 With Olu Alake

Unlocking Africa

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 56:21


Episode 163 with Olu Alake, CEO of The Africa Centre, a cultural institution dedicated to celebrating and amplifying African and diaspora heritage. Since its founding in 1964, The Africa Centre has been a vibrant space for intellectual exchange, artistic expression, and community-building, evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the African diaspora in the UK and beyond.Under Olu's leadership, the Centre has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and cultural advocacy, cementing its reputation as a global hub for African excellence. From nurturing emerging artists, some of whom have gone on to win prestigious awards like the Turner Prize, to promoting entrepreneurship and thought leadership, The Africa Centre remains a crucible for creativity and transformation.In this conversation, we explore the Centre's journey, its role in reshaping narratives about Africa, and the exciting initiatives in store, from the UK-Kenya cultural season to the 104th anniversary of the Berlin Conference.What We Discuss With OluThe evolution of The Africa Centre since 1964 and its evolution in response to the changing needs of the African diaspora in the UK.How The Africa Centre balances its rich legacy with the evolving needs and engagement styles of modern audiences.The strategies The Africa Centre uses to ensure inclusivity and represent all of Africa, beyond just major countries.How The Africa Centre continues to promote intellectual and social conversations among African thinkers and changemakers today.Why the Centre has been instrumental in launching the careers of renowned African artists.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Inside the Business of Afrobeats: International Festivals, Culture & Global Influence? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Olu:LinkedIn - Olu AlakeTwitter (X) - @TheAfricaCentreDo you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group. Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at info@etkgroup.co.ukSubscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

The Word Café Podcast with Amax
S3 Ep. 212 History's Echoes in Today's World

The Word Café Podcast with Amax

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 41:28 Transcription Available


Send us a textCan the cataclysmic events of 1883 still resonate in today's world? Join us on an enthralling exploration of this pivotal year, where we unravel the monumental impact of the Krakatoa eruption, the engineering marvel of the Brooklyn Bridge, and Thomas Edison's revolutionary strides in electrical lighting. Through these stories, we'll illuminate how these historic milestones continue to shape modern fields like geology, meteorology, and civil engineering. Our narrative not only celebrates these feats of human ingenuity and natural wonder but also provides a lens to understand their enduring legacy on our current technological and societal landscapes.As we turn the pages of history, we confront the complex aftermath of European colonization, focusing on the Scramble for Africa and its ongoing repercussions. By dissecting the Berlin Conference and its legacy, we draw uncomfortable parallels with today's geopolitical strategies, scrutinizing the roles of global powers in Africa's socio-economic fabric. This episode challenges you to consider whether current international practices are a cover for neo-colonial ambitions. We wrap up with a broader contemplation on crafting a unified global philosophy, inspired by cultural views on time and strategic foresight, urging listeners to engage in building a collective vision for a future that transcends division.Support the showYou can support this show via the link below;https://www.buzzsprout.com/1718587/supporters/new

[REDACTED] History
The Scramble for Africa & Congo's Genocide: A Comprehensive History

[REDACTED] History

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 73:30


On this week's episode of the Redacted History Podcast, we are discussing the history of the colonization of Africa, mainly the Congo. We set the stage for how we got to the present day genocide in the Congo. And it all starts with Belgium, Berlin, King Leopold II, and the Berlin Conference of 1884. That leads us to the 20th century where the scramble for African resources intensifies leading to a genocide in present day Democratic Republic of Congo. A genocide that is still happening today. NEW YOUTUBE VIDEOS: Civil War Widows in the 21st Century - https://youtu.be/jSbHRboYCY8?si=SbCkKv7qOuR2moHW What Does "WOKE" Mean: https://youtu.be/eMV4YCkjurc?si=0YKf1gyKTJvypAyX Stay Connected with Me: PATREON: patreon.com/redactedhistory https://www.tiktok.com/@Blackkout___ https://www.instagram.com/redactedhistory_ Contact: thisisredactedhistory@gmail.com Episode Script Writer and Researcher: Jordyn Howard Episode Editor and Narrator: André White AID FOR CONGO: Friends of the Congo: https://friendsofthecongo.org/ Embrace Relief: https://www.embracerelief.org/donation/foundation-galaxie-orphelinat-mer-ter-democratic-republic-of-congo-2022 Action Against Hunger: https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/take-action/make-a-gift/?utm_medium=paid+search&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_adgroup=Brand&utm_term=action%20against%20hunger&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4Y-sBhC6ARIsAGXF1g7PJ_ZDlfx7Jo1PAiW_zCuXWCWQpi6tghD0C1ph5vEQLP2EOXqj_nkaAt8HEALw_wcB Doctors Without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/psearch-monthly-tabbed?ms=ADD2310U1U89&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BRAND.DWB_CKMSF-BRAND.DWB-GS-GS-ALL-DWBBrand.E-BO-ALL-RSA-RSARefresh.1-ONETIME&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4Y-sBhC6ARIsAGXF1g5zGdH3Lgqxc1S4vYSe7T7jnmJjllQEJKuUWabW0B-eoH51PvP09EoaAv18EALw_wcB UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS HAPPENING https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/drc/overview#1 https://www.unrefugees.org/news/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-refugee-crisis-explained/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Black Op Radio
#1218 – Jim DiEugenio

Black Op Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 93:45


  Jim suggests people read the books:Betting On The Africans by Philip E. Muehlenbeck. JFK: Ordeal in Africa by Richard D. Mahoney, The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild, Who Killed Hammerskjold? by Susan Williams. CAPA conference in Dallas approaching fast! September 27th is the 60th anniversary of the release of the Warren Commission. NBC & CBS ran special programming the day the Warren Commission released CBS coached the witnesses before being recorded. 26 volumes of hearing transcripts & depositions released two months later. When JFK was assassinated, 75% of the public believed the government, this decreased steadily. Many people don't know how much Kennedy supported & cared about the independence of Africa. JFK was the first President to campaign on the behalf of Africa, making his famous speech in 1957. JFK chairman of the subcommittee for the African Foreign Relations committee. In just 50 years of Belgium control, 50% of the African population was eliminated. England, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, France & Portugal all had controlling interests by 1900's. Berlin Conference held by Prince Bismark in 1884 significant in organized takeover. Congo was the 2nd largest country in Africa, & the 11th largest country in the world. International Congo Society formed by Leopold II, in his quest to obtain natural resources of Congo. Congo controlled by Leopold II from 1885-1908 & then annexed by Belgium as a formal colony. Leopold II encouraged US to back up annexation of Congo. Ho Chi Minh appealed to Harry Truman to stop France from returning to Vietnam. Roosevelt wanted to end the Imperialism. US backed CIA installed DIEM government & Operation Vulture. Richard Nixon idolized John Foster Dulles. In 1954 JFK first heard about Operation Vulture & was vehemently opposed. SEATO - South East Treaty Organization created by Dulles to utilize in takeover of Vietnam. Diplomats started to go around Dulles & Eisenhower, seeking out JFK to help with Africa. When JFK was touring in 1959, he brought up the issues in Africa often, over 400 times. Eisenhower felt the Africans were unsophisticated & lacked intelligence to run their countries. After Kennedy was elected, he tried to buy independence for the Congo. Dag Hammarskjold sent in UN troops to help protect Lumumba but to no avail. After Lumumba was assassinated, Hammarskjold was assassinated & then JFK. When Belgium pulled out of Congo, their intention was a swift withdrawal to incite extreme chaos. Unknown to Lumumba, the Belgium government had transferred Congo gold reserve to Brussels. Oliver Stone originally wanted Brando for the part of Mr. X in his JFK movie, not Donald Sutherland. Both Garrison & Zach Sklar told Oliver Stone to get in contact with Fletcher Prouty. Donald Sutherland the original producer of Executive Action, securing funding for the film. Sutherland came all the way from Canada to do the narration for Oliver Stone's JFK film. Late November of 1964, the 1st combat troops sent to Vietnam Kennedy told the British that he would not be backing the Imperial Policy anymore. The CIA sent two assassins to murder Lumumba. They kept the murder of Lumumba secret from JFK. Why? Famous photo of JFK taken on February 13, 1961 as JFK informed about Lumumba's murder. When JFK was assassinated, his Congo policy was buried with him.  

History Analyzed
The Scramble For Africa

History Analyzed

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 61:22


Within 30 years in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Europe went from controlling 20% of Africa to 90%. It was called "the Scramble for Africa". Find out why Europeans colonized the Americas easily through unintentional germ warfare, but Africa was "the White Man's Grave". Discover how Europe finally conquered Africa; the horrors of the Congo; and the residual problems in Africa which exist today. 

Have a Day! w/ The History Wizard
Day 18 - Rubber Doesn't Always Bounce Back...

Have a Day! w/ The History Wizard

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 21:32


Hey, Hi, Hello, this is the History Wizard and welcome back for Day 18 of Have a Day w/ The History Wizard. Thank you to everyone who tuned in for Day 17 2 weeks ago, and especially thank you to everyone who rated and/or reviewed the podcast. I hope you all learned something last week and I hope the same for this week as well. This week we're going to be diving back into learning about historic genocides as we learn about the Congolese genocide committed by King Leopold II of Belgium. We've talked about the Congolese Genocide previously on Day 11, Free Congo. But for today's episode we're going to go into much greater detail about this particular genocide and not just discuss it within the context of a current conflict. Now, before we get to The Alchemist's Table I wanted to apologize that there wasn't a new episode last week. Sometimes you just don't have the energy, the motivation, the spoons or the spell slots. So, I took a week off. It might happen again. And now on to the booze! Today's libation is called Cherries Jubilee. It's 2 oz of Islay scotch. I'd recommend a Bowmore if you're not a huge fan of the peat. Then 1 oz of creme de cacao. 1 oz of frangelico. Add .75 oz of cherry syrup. Shake and pour overice. Top with ginger beer or a hard cider. Garnish with luxardo cherries and enjoy. Now, with that out of the way let's get into the Congolese Rubber Genocide. In order to understand this genocide we first need to understand European colonialism during this time. Colonialism has taken many forms over the years and in the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century it transitioned from the classic form of American colonialism into what we would consider New Colonialism. New Colonialism would rely less on direct military control of an area and would rely more on having governmental institutions in power that would directly benefit those pre existing colonial power structures. So, near the end of the 19th century there was very little European colonial and mercantile presence in Africa. There were some port towns, to be sure, and there was trade, but very little of the African continent was under the control of European powers at this time. But, European greed for gold and, especially, ivory wouldn't allow them to ignore African riches for much longer. The Berlin Conference was organized between November 1884 and February 1885 at the request of King Leopold II of Belgium and was organized by Otto von Bismarck of Germany.   The primary purpose of the Berlin Conference was regulating European colonization and trade during the New Imperialism period. It might seem strange to need to differentiate New Imperialism from the forms of empire building that came before. Afterall, the methodology was largely the same. Conquest. And the reasoning was, mostly the same. Resources and land acquisition. But New Imperialism also came with a good deal of “civilizing” flavor. You might be familiar with the poem White Man's Burden by Rudyard Kipling. If you're not. You can fully understand the entire mindset of 19th and 20th century colonialism simply by reading that poem. Now, Leopold had been using the explorations of Henry Morgan Stanley, and his own organization, the International African Association to quietly try and create his own private colony in central Africa that would be called the Congo Free State, but France found out and started making moves, and then Britain and Portugal found out and began trying to grab land which led Germany to do the same. War was brewing quickly as these various European powerhouses all sought as much land, wealth, and power as they could grab. This, ultimately, would be why the Berlin Conference was called and why it was so successful. These European powers decided, instead of going to war and killing each other over Africa they'd just all meet and carve it up like a pecan pie and settle it all peaceful like. There were 14 nations/empires in attendance at the Berlin Conference, Germany, Austria Hungary, the International Congo Society (this really means King Leopold II of Belgium), Spain, Denmark, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Sweden-Norway, and the Ottoman Empire. And while all 14 of those countries were in attendance at the Berlin Conference and had a say in the final decisions that were made, only 7 countries were actually going to colonize Africa once it was over. Those countries were Belgium (really just King Leopold II, this would be his own private colony), Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Portugal, and Italy. At the time of the Berlin Conference, in 1885, less than 10% of the African continent was under European control, but by the time World War 1 broke out only Liberia and Ethiopia were still independent. Although, Liberia certainly only existed because of US colonial power, and so doesn't REALLY count as independent.  Wanna know one of the most buckwild things about the Berlin Conference? I ask knowing that there is no way for you to answer or to stop me from telling you short of skipping forward by about 30 seconds. Part of the General Act, the document that was signed and ratified at the conclusion of the Berlin Conference was a commitment from the European powers involved to END AFRICAN AND ISLAMIC SLAVERY. Most of those European powers would go on to enslave the populations they conquered and colonized. This period of New Imperialism is what we tend to call The Scramble for Africa. So far we've been talking about this all in fairly clinical terms, as if these European countries simply sat around a table and calmly decided who would get what land in the second largest continent on the planet and then it just happened, with no additional muss or fuss. Anyone who has studied even the barest amount of human history knows that nothing happens without muss or fuss. There were wars, and battles, and massacres that led to Europe gaining control of African territory. We now need to talk a bit about the Congo Free State, and how King Leopold of Belgium, a frail weakling (compared to the other European powers) managed to worm his way into the conference and into one of the most lucrative colonies in Africa. The Congo Free State was a truly massive colony that was owned personally by Leopold. It was NOT, at least between the years 1885 and 1908, part of the Belgian Empire, it was not owned by the Belgian government and was ruled entirely separately, it just happened to be ruled by the King of Belgium. Leopold was able to gain this massive colony by convincing the monarchs of Europe that he was engaged in humanitarian and philanthropic work, and that the Congo Free State would be an area of free trade in Africa. He also then proceeded to lie to the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, and the US telling them all that he would give them special trade status. Leopold maintained a guise that he was not trying to use the Congo Basin to increase his own wealth and economic and political power. He maintained that his presence in the region was, as was a huge part of the ethos of New Imperialism, to civilize the savages of the Congo Basin and to bring them closer to God and good European cultural supremacy.  Leopold pledged to suppress the east African slave trade; promote humanitarian policies; guarantee free trade within the colony; impose no import duties for twenty years; and encourage philanthropic and scientific enterprises. Beginning in the mid-1880s, Leopold first decreed that the state asserted rights of proprietorship over all vacant lands throughout the Congo territory. In three successive decrees, Leopold promised the rights of the Congolese in their land to native villages and farms, essentially making nearly all of the CFS terres domaniales (state-owned land). Leopold further decreed that merchants should limit their commercial operations in rubber trade with the natives. Additionally, the colonial administration liberated thousands of slaves. Four main problems presented themselves over the next few years. Leopold II ran up huge debts to finance his colonial endeavour and risked losing his colony to Belgium. Much of the Free State was unmapped jungle, which offered little fiscal and commercial return. Cecil Rhodes, Prime Minister of the Cape Colony (part of modern South Africa), was expanding his British South Africa Company's charter lands from the south and threatened to occupy Katanga (southern Congo) by exploiting the "Principle of Effectivity" loophole in the Berlin Treaty. In this he was supported by Harry Johnston, the British Commissioner for Central Africa, who was London's representative in the region. The Congolese interior was ruled by Arab Zanzibari slavers and sultans, powerful kings and warlords who had to be coerced or defeated by use of force. For example, the slaving gangs of Zanzibar trader Tippu Tip had a strong presence in the eastern part of the territory in the modern-day Maniema, Tanganyika and Ituri regions. They were linked to the Swahili coast via Uganda and Tanzania and had established independent slave states. So very quickly Leopold began to renege on his promises. The first concession he made to his greed and desire for power was to establish a policy of terres vacantes. Vacant land, which was defined as any land that did not have a house or cultivated garden plot. This was, of course, most of the country. Any terres vacantes was now automatically property of the state to be portioned out to Leopold's cronies and supporters. Next Leopold would decree that any locals harvesting rubber or ivory were only allowed to sell to the state. This was doubly enforced because most of the rubber or ivory harvesting was happening on “state owned land” and so it “mae sense” that they could only sell to the state, which now had a monopoly on those products and could set the prices at whatever they wanted. Trading companies were, obviously, pissed by this as part of the General Act of the Berlin Conference was a promise of Free Trade in Belgium. Now, what made The Congo so special in the history of capitalist exploitation was that it was home to something that would become one of the most important natural resources in the entire world, rubber. There are only two sources of natural rubber in the world. The sap of the Hevea brasiliensis, or rubber tree that grows in the Amazon River Basin, and the sap of Landolphia owariensis, a species of woody vines that grow in the Congo. I mean, technically there are 2500 species of plants that produce natural latex and rubber, but those two are the big ones. Today 99% of natural latex and rubber comes from the Amazon, but Leopold was able to make massive profit off of his colony. By the final decade of the 19th century, John Boyd Dunlop's 1887 invention of inflatable, rubber bicycle tubes and the growing usage of the automobile dramatically increased global demand for rubber. Now, as mentioned previously the rubber in the Congo came from vines. So while the trees in the Amazon basin could be tapped much in the same way we get Maple syrup, the Congolese workers would slash the vines and lather their bodies with the rubber latex. When the latex hardened, it would be scraped off the skin in a quite painful manner, ripping off the workers hair. The economic system in the Congo Free State was known as the red rubber system. It was a slave economy that Leopold enforced through the use of his armed forces known as the Force Publique. The officer corp of the Force Publique was made up entirely of White Europeans, and much of their rank and file was made up of slaves captured by Arabic slavers in the Upper Congo. Many of the other soldiers were children who had been kidnapped from their villages and raised in Roman Catholic missions in conditions very similar to slavery. Each slave in the Congo Free State was required to harvest a regular quota of rubber sap. What that quota was was often arbitrarily decided based purely on profit based concerns. Workers who refused to supply their labour were coerced with "constraint and repression". Dissenters were beaten or whipped with the chicotte, a bullship made of hippo hide, hostages were taken to ensure prompt collection and punitive expeditions were sent to destroy villages which refused. The policy led to a collapse of Congolese economic and cultural life, as well as farming in some areas. One refugee from these horrors described the process: We were always in the forest to find the rubber vines, to go without food, and our women had to give up cultivating the fields and gardens. Then we starved ... When we failed and our rubber was short, the soldiers came to our towns and killed us. Many were shot, some had their ears cut off; others were tied up with ropes round their necks and taken away. Failure to meet the rubber collection quotas was punishable by death. Meanwhile, the Force Publique were required to provide the hand of their victims as proof when they had shot and killed someone, as it was believed that they would otherwise use the munitions (imported from Europe at considerable cost) for hunting or to stockpile them for mutiny. As a consequence, the rubber quotas were in part paid off in cut-off hands. A Catholic priest quotes a man, Tswambe, speaking of the hated state official Léon Fiévez, who ran a district along the river 300 mi north of Stanley Pool: “All blacks saw this man as the devil of the Equator ... From all the bodies killed in the field, you had to cut off the hands. He wanted to see the number of hands cut off by each soldier, who had to bring them in baskets ... A village which refused to provide rubber would be completely swept clean. As a young man, I saw [Fiévez's] soldier Molili, then guarding the village of Boyeka, take a net, put ten arrested natives in it, attach big stones to the net, and make it tumble into the river ... Rubber causes these torments; that's why we no longer want to hear its name spoken. Soldiers made young men kill or rape their own mothers and sisters.” One junior officer in the Force Publique had this to say about the quota system: The baskets of severed hands, set down at the feet of the European post commanders, became the symbol of the Congo Free State. ... The collection of hands became an end in itself. Force Publique soldiers brought them to the stations in place of rubber; they even went out to harvest them instead of rubber ... They became a sort of currency. They came to be used to make up for shortfalls in rubber quotas, to replace ... the people who were demanded for the forced labour gangs; and the Force Publique soldiers were paid their bonuses on the basis of how many hands they collected. Within the Congo Free State there was also rampant famine and disease that killed hundreds of thousands of people, a type of residential school where children were sent to learn to be either workers or soldiers. About 50% of the children who entered these schools died. There were also several reputable reports of Congolese people turning to cannibalism in the face of their lack of food resources. With everyone being forced to harvest rubber there was no one to farm or gather or hunt for food. It is generally accepted that over the course of Leopold's rule in the Congo Free State, between 1885 and 1908 that at least 10 million Congolese people were killed. The peak year for the cost of rubber was 1903, with rubber fetching the highest price and concessionary companies raking in the highest profits. However, the boom sparked efforts to find lower-cost producers. Congolese concessionary companies started facing competition from rubber cultivation in Southeast Asia and Latin America. As plantations were begun in other tropical regions around the world, the global price of rubber started to dip. Competition heightened the drive to exploit forced labour in the Congo in order to lower production costs. Meanwhile, the cost of enforcement was eating away at profit margins, along with the toll taken by the increasingly unsustainable harvesting methods. As competition from other areas of rubber cultivation mounted, Leopold's private rule was left increasingly vulnerable to international scrutiny. Missionaries carefully and meticulously documented the many abuses of the Congolese Red Rubber system. This would finally be noted by the international community and by the Belgian government itself as a violation of the 1885 Berlin Act which gave Leopold authority and control of the Congo as long as he: "care[d] for the improvements of their conditions of their moral and material well-being" and "help[ed] in suppressing slavery." After 2 years of international pressure the Belgian government agreed to annex the Congo Free State and make it an official part of the Belgian Empire. The reason the debate lasted 2 years was that no one wanted to take on the responsibility of fixing everything Leopold had fucked up so royally (pun intended). But what happened to Leopold you ask? Did he go to jail? Did he get a slap on the wrist? Was he deposed as king and sent into exile on a small island in the Pacific where he eventually died of stomach cancer? Nah, he did die though, but he died as King of Belgium. He had surgery on December 17, 1909. He had a coronary bridging performed, aiming at correcting insufficient irrigation of the myocardium. ''A few hours after the operation, a failure of the myocardium occurred leading to death the same day''. Leopold had ruled Belgium for 44 years, which makes him, to this day, the longest reigning Belgian monarch. You also might be please to know that his funeral procession was booed by every crowd he passed. His people fucking hated him. Exciting news y'all! We actually DO have some reviews this week! So let's read em! And now for the outro! Have a Day! w/ The History Wizard is brought to you by me, The History Wizard. If you want to see/hear more of me you can find me on Tiktok @thehistorywizard or on Instagram @the_history_wizard. Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to Have a Day! On your pod catcher of choice. The more you do, the more people will be able to listen and learn along with you. Thank you  for sticking around until the end and, as always, Have a Day.        

IUMI Podcast
150 years of IUMI: Berlin Conference 2024

IUMI Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 18:12


Stories to be tolled
It's all about the Stories (Season 4 Finale)

Stories to be tolled

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 18:05


‘In this season finale of 'Stories to be tolled,' I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU and re-orientate you, my listeners back to where it all began.' (Tracy DW) By reading extracts from each of her current published titles, Tracy takes us through a poetic exploration of colonial events that have shaped the world. From England's early attempts to colonise the Caribbean, inspired by tales of gold and glory to The Berlin Conference of 1884 and the partitioning of Africa by European powers. All the way through to Rhodesia's struggle for independence, the resistance against white minority rule and the negotiations between Margaret Thatcher and Deng over the future of Hong Kong. Tracy's narratives weave a rich tapestry of the past, encouraging listeners to embark on their own learning journeys. You can purchase your own copy of each of Tracy's current titles by visiting the bookshop on the website. Also, don't miss out on exclusive offers and challenges: - Join the 'Name that Podcast' challenge for a chance to win exclusive merchandise. - Try ‘Magic Mind' with a special discount using code TOLLED20 for 48% off your subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase at the checkout when you click https://www.magicmind.com/tolled - Sign up on the website to receive free samples of the first four story titles and also a chance to receive one of our monthly promotional giveaways   Contact Tracy via audio on the speakpipe link or email Tracy info@storiestobetolled.com Stay connected with Tracy via email at info@storiestobetolled.com or audio message on the speakpipe link  and follow 'Stories to be tolled' on social media. Tracy will be back in the autumn with a brand new season, continuing her exploration of Britain's colonial past and inviting you to join her on this journey. Stay safe, stay well, and stay blessed. Thank you for your support over the past four seasons, and she'll see you on the next page!  

Have a Day! w/ The History Wizard
Day 11 - Free Congo

Have a Day! w/ The History Wizard

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 33:39


Content warning for discussion of genocide, torture, mutilation, rape, and slavery Hey, Hi, Hello, this is the History Wizard and welcome back for Day 11 of Have a Day w/ The History Wizard. Thank you to everyone who tuned in for Day 10 last week, and especially thank you to everyone who rated and/or reviewed the podcast. I hope you all learned something last week and I hope the same for this week. This week we're going to be talking about the currently ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the long history of capitalist exploitation, western imperialism, and systemic racism that led to it. But first, as is tradition, let's take a trip over to the Alchemists Table to see what potion we've got for today. Today's libation has a lot going on in it, it's called Underworld Vacation. It starts by adding some strawberries and blueberries to the bottom of your shaker with .75 of an ounce of rose simple syrup before muddling the fruit. Then add one ounce each of pomegranate and elderflower liquor followed by 2 oz of Hendricks Lunar gin, add ice to your shaker and then stir for about 30 seconds before straining into a highball glass and topping with about 4 oz of prosecco. With that out of the way it's time to talk, once again, about the most important part of history. The proverbial devil in the literal details, context. Because to understand what is happening in the DRC today you need to understand the Kivu Conflict, and to understand that you need to understand the Second Congo War, and to understand that you need to understand the First Congo War, and to understand that you need to understand the end of the Rwandan Genocide and the Congo Crisis of the 1960s, and to understand that you need to understand the Scramble for Africa, The Berlin Conference and King Leopold !! of Belgium. So, we've got a lot to cover, and we're going to be doing it in fairly broad strokes, but it might still take us a while, so let's get started with the Berlin Conference. Near the end of the 19th century there was very little European colonial and mercantile presence in Africa. There were some port towns, to be sure, and there was trade, but very little of the African continent was under the control of European powers at this time. But, European greed for gold and, especially, ivory wouldn't allow them to ignore African riches for much longer. The Berlin Conference was organized in 1885 at the request of King Leopold II of Belgium and was organized by Otto von Bismarck of Germany.   Leopold had been using the explorations of Henry Morgan Stanley, and his own organization, the International African Association to quietly try and create his own private colony in central Africa that would be called the Congo Free State, but France found out and started making moves, and then Britain and Portugal found out and began trying to grab land which led Germany to do the same. War was brewing quickly as these various European powerhouses all sought as much land, wealth, and power as they could grab. This, ultimately, would be why the Berlin Conference was called and why it was so successful. These European powers decided, instead of going to war and killing each other over Africa they'd just all meet and carve it up like a pecan pie and settle it all peaceful like. There were 14 nations/empires in attendance at the Berlin Conference, Germany, Austria Hungary, the International Congo Society (this really means King Leopold II of Belgium), Spain, Denmark, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Sweden-Norway, and the Ottoman Empire. And while all 14 of those countries were in attendance at the Berlin Conference and had a say in the final decisions that were made, only 7 countries were actually going to colonize Africa once it was over. Those countries were Belgium (really just King Leopold II, this would be his own private colony), Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Portugal, and Italy. At the time of the Berlin Conference less than 10% of the African continent was under European control, but by the time World War 1 broke out only Liberia and Ethiopia were still independent. Although, Liberia certainly only existed because of US colonial power, and so doesn't REALLY count as independent.  This period of New Imperialism is what we tend to call The Scramble for Africa. Sof ar we've been talking about this all in fairly clinical terms, as if these European countries simply sat around a table and calmly decided who would get what land in the second largest continent on the planet and then it just happened, with no additional muss or fuss. Anyone who has studied even the barest amount of human history knows that nothing happens without muss or fuss. There were wars, and battles, and massacres that led to Europe gaining control of African territory, but that's not the topic of today's podcast. We now need to talk a bit about the Congo Free State, and how King Leopold of Belgium, a frail weakling (compared to the other European powers) managed to worm his way into the conference and into one of the most lucrative colonies in Africa. The Congo Free State was a truly massive colony that was owned personally by Leopold. It was NOT, at least between the years 1885 and 1908, part of the Belgian Empire, it was not owned by the Belgian government and was ruled entirely separately, it just happened to be ruled by the King of Belgium. Leopold was able to gain this massive colony by convincing the monarchs of Europe that he was engaged in humanitarian and philanthropic work, and that the Congo Free State would be an area of free trade in Africa.  Leopold maintained a guise that he was not trying to use the Congo Basin to increase his own wealth and economic and political power. He maintained that his presence in the region was, as was a huge part of the ethos of New Imperialism, to civilize the savages of the Congo Basin and to bring them closer to God and good European cultural supremacy.  Of course, all of that was a lie, and that lie would reveal itself over the intervening years. The Congo was home to something that would become one of the most important natural resources in the entire world, rubber. There are only two sources of natural rubber in the world. The sap of the Hevea brasiliensis, or rubber tree that grows in the Amazon River Basin, and the sap of Landolphia owariensis, a species of woody vines that grow in the Congo. I mean, technically there are 2500 species of plants that produce natural latex and rubber, but those two are the big ones. Today 99% of natural latex and rubber comes from the Amazon, but Leopold was able to make massive profit off of his colony. The economic system in the Congo Free State was known as the red rubber system. It was a slave economy that Leopold enforced through the use of his armed forces known as the Force Publique. Each slave in the Congo Free State was required to harvest a regular quota of rubber sap. What that quota was was often arbitrarily decided based purely on profit based concerns. Workers who refused to supply their labour were coerced with "constraint and repression". Dissenters were beaten or whipped with the chicotte, hostages were taken to ensure prompt collection and punitive expeditions were sent to destroy villages which refused. The policy led to a collapse of Congolese economic and cultural life, as well as farming in some areas. Failure to meet the rubber collection quotas was punishable by death. Meanwhile, the Force Publique were required to provide the hand of their victims as proof when they had shot and killed someone, as it was believed that they would otherwise use the munitions (imported from Europe at considerable cost) for hunting or to stockpile them for mutiny. As a consequence, the rubber quotas were in part paid off in cut-off hands. A Catholic priest quotes a man, Tswambe, speaking of the hated state official Léon Fiévez, who ran a district along the river 300 mi north of Stanley Pool: “All blacks saw this man as the devil of the Equator ... From all the bodies killed in the field, you had to cut off the hands. He wanted to see the number of hands cut off by each soldier, who had to bring them in baskets ... A village which refused to provide rubber would be completely swept clean. As a young man, I saw [Fiévez's] soldier Molili, then guarding the village of Boyeka, take a net, put ten arrested natives in it, attach big stones to the net, and make it tumble into the river ... Rubber causes these torments; that's why we no longer want to hear its name spoken. Soldiers made young men kill or rape their own mothers and sisters.” One junior officer in the Force Publique had this to say about the quota system: The baskets of severed hands, set down at the feet of the European post commanders, became the symbol of the Congo Free State. ... The collection of hands became an end in itself. Force Publique soldiers brought them to the stations in place of rubber; they even went out to harvest them instead of rubber ... They became a sort of currency. They came to be used to make up for shortfalls in rubber quotas, to replace ... the people who were demanded for the forced labour gangs; and the Force Publique soldiers were paid their bonuses on the basis of how many hands they collected. Within the Congo Free State there was also rampant famine and disease that killed hundreds of thousands of people, a type of residential school where children were sent to learn to be either workers or soldiers. About 50% of the children who entered these schools died. There were also several reputable reports of Congolese people turning to cannibalism in the face of their lack of food resources. With everyone being forced to harvest rubber there was no one to farm or gather or hunt for food. It is generally accepted that over the course of Leopold's rule in the Congo Free State, between 1885 and 1908 that at least 10 million Congolese people were killed. Eventually word got out of what was happening in the Congo Free State and a conclave of the European powers of the Berlin Conference was called as, even they, decided that Leopold was going too far. Leopold offered to reform his government and economic system in the Congo, but no one would give him the chance, but also, no one wanted to take on the responsibility of rebuilding the Congo. Eventually, after two years of debate, the Belgian Parliament took over control of the Congo. Leopold would die about a year later in 1909. The Congo would remain under under Belgian control for another 50+ years, and while the abuses and overwhelming violence of King Leopold's rule were curbed. They even added a clause to the new Colonial Charter to outlaw slavery. Article 3 of the new Colonial Charter of 18 October 1908 stated that: "Nobody can be forced to work on behalf of and for the profit of companies or privates", but this was not enforced, and the Belgian government continued to impose forced labour on the indigenous people of the area, albeit by less obvious methods. So, even without King Leopold, the Belgian Congo was still a European colony, which means it was still exploited for profit. African independence movements existed throughout the entirety of European colonialism and imperialism in Africa, excepting Liberia the first country in Africa to gain independence from direct European control would be South Africa which would nominally gain its independence in 1910 after the creation of the Union of South Africa and would formally gain official independence when the last vestiges of British parliamentary control would leave the country in 1931 with the Statute of Westminster, and while there would be other successful independence movements after World War 1, such as Egypt, most African decolonization would come after World War 2, including the Congo's.  Nationalist movements popping up in various African nations and agitating for Independence is, generally speaking, what would eventually cause all of African independence, and this would be no different for the Congo. Though, something that is often also common in the case of independence movements that emerged between the end of World War 2 and the early 1990s is that they would become proxy wars for the US and the USSR during the Cold War. To make a long, complex story very short, the US came out on top in this war. The nationalist movements within the Congo largely emerged amongst a class of people called the évolués, which is a term that was used in French and Belgian colonies for “evolved ones”, people of African descent who had become somewhat Europanized through education.  One of the deciding moments in Congolese independence came in the form of the Leopoldville Riots of 1959. Joseph Kasa-Vubu, who would become the first President of an independent Democratic Republic of the Congo, was the leader of the ABAKO political party, the Alliance of Bakongo. The riots began because many young folks and members or sympathizers of the ABAKO party felt that the government was forbidding them from organizing and protesting. The riots broke out on the 4th of January, 1959. The crowd began throwing rocks at police and attacking white motorists. The initial group of protesters were soon joined by 20,000 Congolese leaving a nearby soccer stadium. At the time press accounts estimated that 35,000 Africans were involved in the violence, which quickly spread as the rioters attempted to enter the European section of the capital. Rioters allegedly smashed and looted storefronts, burned Catholic missions and beat Catholic priests. Many demonstrators chanted "indépendance immédiate" The Belgian Parliament established a commission of inquiry to investigate the cause of the riots. The commission found the disturbances to be the culmination of discontent with racial discrimination, overcrowding, and unemployment. It also concluded that external political events, such as France's decision to grant self-governance to the neighboring French Congo, to be a contributing factor, and criticized the colonial administration's response to the riot. On 13 January the administration went forward with its scheduled announcement of reforms, including new local elections in December, the institution of a new civil service statue that made no racial distinctions, and the appointment of more Africans to advisory bodies. The Belgian King, Baudouin, also declared for the first time that independence would be granted to the Congo in the future. January 4th is still celebrated as an auspicious day in the DRC, it's the Day of the Martyrs and denotes a turning point in the independence movement. Congolese independence was officially declared, as planned, on the 30th of June, 1960, with Kasa-Vubu of the ABAKO elected as president and Patrice Lumumba of the Congolese National Movement appointed as the Prime Minister. Now, despite the DRC formally being declared as independent at this day, they still relied heavily on Belgian colonial institutions that had been in place previously, like the Force Publique and various white technical experts who couldn't be replaced in the face of a lack of ready replacements available amongst the Congolese people. The fact that this lack of available peoples being a result of European colonialism forbidding Congolese people from higher education wound up being somewhat irrelevant, but absolutely caused greater levels of resentment among the newly independent Congolese. In the face of this lack of change and in the face of an address given by Lieutenant General of the Force Publique Émile Janssens, many of the Congolese troops mutinied. The address went as follows: "Independence brings changes to politicians and to civilians. But for you, nothing will be changed ... none of your new masters can change the structure of an army which, throughout its history, has been the most organized, the most victorious in Africa. The politicians have lied to you." Instead of sending in Belgian troops to put down the mutiny, as Janssens wanted, Lumumba fired him and began to institute some reforms, including immediately remaining the Force Publique to the Armée Nationale Congolaise (ANC) and promoting all black soldier by at least one rank. While this had success in Leopoldville and Thysville, it failed in the rest of the country and the mutiny intensified. The government attempted to stop the revolt—Lumumba and Kasa-Vubu intervened personally at Léopoldville and Thysville and persuaded the mutineers to lay down their arms—but in most of the country the mutiny intensified. White officers and civilians were attacked, white-owned properties were looted and white women were raped. The Belgian government became deeply concerned by the situation, particularly when white civilians began entering neighbouring countries as refugees. The international press expressed shock at the apparent sudden collapse of order in the Congo, as the world view of the Congolese situation prior to independence—due largely to Belgian propaganda—was one of peace, stability, and strong control by the authorities. The Congo Crisis would run for 5 years and would end with the torture and assassination of Patrice Lumumba, with Joesph Kasa-Vubu dying while under house arrest, and with the military dictator Mobuto Sese Seko “elected” as the president of the Republic of Congo-Leopoldville. This would note just one in the long string of times that the US helped to install a military dictator in order to overthrow a democratically elected left wing government, just because they had support from the USSR and the US feared (and fears) any threat to their capitalist hegemony. Between 1965 and 1971 Mobutu consolidated his hold on power as much as he could, removing all provincial control over anything and bringing every scrap of infrastructure he could under the control of himself and his central government. In 1971, with his hold on power relatively secure and as part of his policy of Africanization of the Congo's culture and government Mobutu renamed the Republic of Congo Leopoldville to Zaire, a name that was derived from the Kikongo wore nzere, meaning “river that swallows all rivers”. Mobutu would remain as “president” of Zaire all the way until 1997, but his hold on power would begin to crumble with the First Congo War that began in 1993. Now comes the time for more context. What started the First Congo War? Honestly, to a certain extent we can view the First Congo War as an extension of the Rwandan Genocide. The Rwandan Genocide began in 1994 as a final culmination of ethnic tensions that were exacerbated by, first, German and the Belgian colonialism. See, Rwanda used to be a German colony, Rwanda was one of the nations that Germany got as part of the Scramble for Africa, but after World War 1, with the signing of the treaty of Versailles Germany was forced to give up all of its overseas colonies. Belgium gained control of Rwanda. Belgium maintained many of the systems of power and oppression that Germany had put into place, most notably the fact that they put the Tutsi ethnic group in positions of authority and disenfranchised the Hutu and Twa ethnic group. The Twa are the indigenous ethnic group of Rwanda, but by the time the Rwandan genocide occurred they were only about 1% of the population, about 85% were Hutu and the remaining 14% were Tutsi. Still, based on the indicators of European scientific racism and phrenology the Tutsi had more “European features” and so were considered superior to the Hutu ethnic group and placed, exclusively, in positions of authority. The sudden shift in power dynamics after Rwandan independence is what would lead to the Rwandan Genocide as Hutu supremacists decided to vent their fury on the Tutsi people. We won't go into any more detail than that for the Rwandan genocide. Suffice it to say that when it ended hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tutsi people had fled the nation of Rwanda to neighboring African countries, such as Zaire. Roughly 1.5 million ethnic Tutsi people wound up settling in Zaire. There were also about 1 million Hutu extremists in eastern Zaire who had fled the retaliation of the Rwandan Patriotic Front at the end of the Rwandan Civil War and the Rwandan Genocide. As mentioned previously, the First Congo War, also known as Africa's First World War can most simply be seen as an extension of the Rwandan Genocide. Zaire had been in decline since Mobutu gained power in 1965. He was a terrible leader and the average GDP of Zaire dropped by about 65% during his reign. Eastern Zaire was a region of massive instability that was only made worse by the number of Hutu extremists who fled to the region following the Rwandan Genocide. Rwanda, just fully, invaded Zaire in 1996 in order to put down various Hutu rebel groups that were extant in the region. These rebel groups were actively funded and supported by Mobutu's government leading to this war that lasted for some 6 months. It involved several African nations including Rwanda, Uganda, Angola, Burundi, Zambia, ZImbabwe, South Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia, Chad, China, Israel, and Kuwait. Following the war Mobutu went into exile in the nation of Togo where he eventually died of prostate cancer in 1997. Zaire came under the rule of the communist aligned Laurent-Désiré Kabila. Kabila had heavy support from Rwandan, Burundian, and Ugandan forces during his rise to power in the form of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire. Kabila also came to be seen as an instrument of the foreign regimes that put him in power. To counter this image and increase domestic support, he began to turn against his allies abroad. This culminated in the expulsion of all foreign forces from the DRC on 26 July 1998. The states with armed forces still in the DRC begrudgingly complied although some of them saw this as undermining their interests, particularly Rwanda, which had hoped to install a proxy-regime in Kinshasa. Several factors that led to the First Congo War remained in place after Kabila's accession to power. Prominent among these were ethnic tensions in eastern DRC, where the government still had little control. There the historical animosities remained and the opinion that Banyamulenge, as well as all Tutsi, were foreigners was reinforced by the foreign occupation in their defence. Furthermore, Rwanda had not been able to satisfactorily address its security concerns. By forcibly repatriating refugees, Rwanda had imported the conflict. This manifested itself in the form of a predominantly Hutu insurgency in Rwanda's western provinces that was supported by extremist elements in eastern DRC. Without troops in the DRC, Rwanda was unable to successfully combat the insurgents. In the first days of August 1998, two brigades of the new Congolese army rebelled against the government and formed rebel groups that worked closely with Kigali and Kampala. This marked the beginning of the Second Congo War. The Second Congo War is generally considered to be the deadliest war since World War 2. Over the course of this war some 5.4 million excess deaths took place.  Now comes the time where I need to define what an excess death is. In epidemiology, the excess deaths or excess mortality is a measure of the increase in the number deaths during a time period and/or in a certain group, as compared to the expected value or statistical trend during a reference period (typically of five years) or in a reference population. It may typically be measured in percentage points, or in number of deaths per time unit. To put it more simply, disease, depravation, and starvation were so rampant during the Second Congo War that the overwhelming majority of deaths weren't caused directly by the fighting, but were caused by the residual damage of the fighting. The Second Congo War involved many of the same issues of the First Congo War. It would end with Laurent-Désiré Kabila assassinated in 2001 in his office by an 18 year old former child soldier. Laurent would be replaced as president by his son Joseph Kabila, who was elected unanimously by the Congolese parliament. To further highlight the complexity of the Congolese Wars, In April 2001, a UN panel of experts investigated the illegal exploitation of diamonds, cobalt, coltan, gold and other lucrative resources in the Congo. The report accused Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe of systematically exploiting Congolese resources and recommended the Security Council impose sanctions. All conflicts within Congolese territory will ultimately go back to economic exploitation and capitalist overreach. The Congo Basin is full of some of the most valuable natural resources that exist on the planet, and people will always be fighting over them. This leads us into the Kivu conflict. The Kivu conflict is an umbrella term for a series of protracted armed conflicts in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo which have occurred since the end of the Second Congo War. This includes, but is not limited to Effacer le tableau, which was a genocidal extermination campaign against the Mbuti Pygmy ethnic group. The Bambuti were targeted specifically as the rebels considered them "subhuman", and it was believed by the rebels that the flesh of the Bambuti held "magical powers". There were also reports of cannibalism being widespread. It is estimated 60,000 to 70,000 Pygmy were killed in the campaign, and over 100,000 more were displaced. There are more than 120 distinct rebel groups involved in the Kivu Conflict, including the March 23 Movement, which a UN report indicates was created by the Rwandan government in order to potentially take over the Congolese government. Conflict began in 2004 in the eastern Congo as an armed conflict between the military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Hutu Power group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) has played a large role in the conflict. With 21,000 soldiers in the force, the Kivu conflict constitutes the largest peacekeeping mission currently in operation. In total, 93 peacekeepers have died in the region, with 15 dying in a large-scale attack by the Allied Democratic Forces, in North Kivu in December 2017. The peacekeeping force seeks to prevent escalation of force in the conflict, and minimise human rights abuses like sexual assault and the use of child soldiers in the conflict. In 2007 and 2008, in several news and TV reports, the BBC published own evidence about Pakistani MONUC peacekeepers in Mongbwalu had entered in a gold-for-guns trading relationship with Nationalist and Integrationist Front (FNI) militia leaders, eventually drawing Congolese army officers and Indian traders from Kenya into the deal. Following its own investigations, the UN concluded that there was no involvement of Pakistani peacekeeper in any such trade relationship. Namely Human Rights Watch harshly criticized the UN for the way it handled the investigation, providing detailed information from several UN documents, arguing that serious allegations of wrongdoing by Pakistani peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo were ignored, minimized or shelved by the UN's Organization of Internal Oversight Services. MONUC officials say nothing of substance about mining in Congo, which proceeds in parallel with the bloodletting, arms trading and extortion. For example, Anvil Mining has been involved in massacres in DRC. Anvil directors include former U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Brown, who served at U.S. embassies in Brussels, Kinshasa, Congo-Brazzaville and South Africa. Brown was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa (1987–1989) under George Shultz and George H.W. Bush and Director of Central African Affairs (1980–1981). Interestingly, Brown succeeded William Lacy Swing—head of MONUC in DRC—as Ambassador to the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). Meanwhile, the former top internal intelligence and security chief of the United Nations Observer's Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) has been worked for Anvil mining in Katanga since 2006. There have been numerous cases of sexual misconduct by UN peacekeeping forces in the Congo. This has been acknowledged by the UN itself (such as the letter of 24 March 2005 from the Secretary-General to the President of the General Assembly). So, basically foreign powers both within Africa and outside of it are actively fighting within the Congo Basin in order to secure control of the vast amount of natural resources that exist within the nation. The DRC currently produces about 70% of the world's cobalt, and 80% of the cobalt mines in the DRC are owned by China. The leading use of cobalt in modern technology is in rechargeable batteries. So your cell phone battery, your laptop batteries, any kind of rechargeable battery you have is likely created using Congolese cobalt, which is a direct cause of the millions of deaths and displacements that are occuring in the DRC.  The DRC is, effectively, the site of a capitalist proxy war as the region is fought over by foreign governments and local rebel groups for control over Congolese natural resources. No one in Europe or the US would even begin to care about an African country if it wasn't for the battery technology resources that are so abundant in the region. Between 1885 and today it is, very easy, to say that roughly 20 million people have been killed by capitalist excess and exploitation.  We can, absolutely call what is happening in the DRC a genocide, though it can be difficult to always pinpoint who, exactly are the victims. Broadly speaking the victims are the Congolese people, all of them, who are being killed over a desire to control the cobalt mines. This has gone far beyond simple ethnic conflict between Hutu and Tutsi, though that conflict, which is still ongoing, definitely added to the fire. This is a genocide of the people of the DRC by capitalism itself. Capitalism has always been, and will always be an inherently genocidal institution. It craves the acquisition of individual wealth at the expense of the working class. You cannot have a system predicated on infinite growth within a closed system. Capitalism will always require that resources and wealth be stolen from people who need them. And when so much of our wealth is tied up in food, water, and housing, the theft of those resources from the working class will lead to our deaths. For the past century and a half the Congo Basin has been subjected to genocide after genocide in the name of capitalism. What is happening right now is only an extension of that, though made far more complicated by the literal hundreds of competing groups and the lack of any international will to see peace achieved. That's it for this week folks. No new reviews, so let's get right into the outro. Have a Day! w/ The History Wizard is brought to you by me, The History Wizard. If you want to see/hear more of me you can find me on Tiktok @thehistorywizard or on Instagram @the_history_wizard. Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to Have a Day! On your pod catcher of choice. The more you do, the more people will be able to listen and learn along with you. Thank you  for sticking around until the end and, as always, Have a Day, and Free Congo.    

Lyndeurozone Euro Simplified
#324 Unit 7 - European Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa

Lyndeurozone Euro Simplified

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 32:56


In this episode we look at how the Berlin Conference of 1884 leads to the eventual takeover of Africa by the European powers. Lyndeurozone.com  Patreon If you use this podcast regularly would you please consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as a dollar a month?  The Euro Simplified Podcast has no advertising revenue and is produced by a public school teacher.  We love and appreciate our supporters on Patreon as our supporters help us meet the costs associated with the production of this free resource for students. Episodes will be released on the following schedule: Unit 1 and Unit 2 - August/September Unit 3: October Unit 4: November Unit 5: November and December Unit 6: January Unit 7: Late January & February Unit 8 : March Unit 9: April   If you have any questions you can contact Robert Lynde at Lyndeurozone.com.   Instagram: @Lyndeurozone  

On This Day In History
The Berlin Conference Concluded

On This Day In History

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 1:59


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PJC Media
The Colonization of Africa/Jenny White

PJC Media

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2024 83:00


The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 aka The Congo Conference met on Nov 15, 1884 and ended on Feb 26, 1885. The conference contributed to ushering in a period of heighted colonial activity by european powers. The scramble for Africa was at full speed and included 13 european countries and the United States. This plan was designed to keep Africa and it's children poor and in a dominated condition.

The Innovation Civilization Podcast
The New Scramble For Africa: The Economic History and Future Development of the Region

The Innovation Civilization Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 59:54


On this African development-focused episode, we're joined by Dr. Pádraig Carmody, a distinguished professor at Trinity College, University of Dublin, and the author of the book "The New Scramble for Africa."   Professor Carmody guides us through a thought-provoking discussion:   -Unpacking the historical context of African scrambles and their enduring impact on the continent -Defining what a scramble is and how it shaped the socio-economic landscape of Africa -Examining the parallels between historical scrambles and the contemporary challenges affecting Africa today -Insightful analysis of the new scramble (e.g. with China) and its implications for the region's economic trajectory -Exploring the potential future of African development and the key factors that will shape it   We were also joined by, Jon Cayzer, who is a British civil servant and has worked in Africa for several decades.   Follow our host Waheed Rahman (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.   You can follow us on our socials for the latest updates of the Innovation Civilization Podcast   Instagram:  https://tinyurl.com/mw75d5v3 LinkedIn:  https://tinyurl.com/m7rr7sms Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@innovationcivilizationpodcast   We're open to collaboration and want to hear your thoughts   Website: https://www.empasco.com Email: info@empasco.com Pod Host: waheed@empasco.com Pod Manager: mahir@empasco.com   Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.   (00:00) - Intro   (01:35) - What drove Professor Carmody into writing a book on the scramble for Africa?   (04:43) - In delving into the first scramble for Africa and the influential Berlin Conference, what were the key motivations driving European powers?   (10:58) -  Is the scramble for Africa solely driven by asset stripping for the benefit of the global economy in what we now term the global north, or are their elements of a transformative vision aiming to uplift and shape the continent in a different way?   (19:09) - Did the historical division of Africa during the scramble leave lasting consequences on the persistence of poverty and the trajectory of economic development in the region?   (25:13) - How did the historical dynamics affect the current state of institutions in Africa?   (27:55) - How does Professor Carmody envision African states overcoming the challenges of comparative advantage and distance to become potent catalysts for innovation?   (32:57) - How does Rwanda's success, characterized by policy certainty, stand out as a potential model for other Sub-Saharan African countries grappling with similar issues?   (40:59) - How are technological advancements impacting job markets across the continent, and what strategies can African nations adopt to navigate the potential challenges posed by the rapid integration of AI technologies?   (43:42) - What are China's vision for Africa and the strategies they are employing to realize this vision, providing insight into their approach and objectives in the region?   (50:55) -  The role of industrial policy in fostering economic diversification and specialization and lessons African nations could glean from these examples in shaping their economic strategies.   (52:16) -  Is there a unique role that Africa can play in reimagining the global economy, offering solutions that transcend the limitations of the previous neoliberal frameworks?   (58:46) - Outro  

The African History Network Show
Black Conservative Kim Klacik says Black people are better off bcuz of Slavery??

The African History Network Show

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 36:00


Black Conservative Kim Klacik tells Dr. Marc Lamonth HIll she thinks Black people are better off because of Slavery??? Has she ever heard of The Berlin Conference of 1884? There were at least 262 Skills, Trades & Crafts that African people had in the U.S. from 1619 - 1865. Many of the skills we brought from Africa. We didn't have to be put into an 'Apprenticeship' program to learn trades. Historian, Michael Imhotep, founder of 'The African History Network' breaks down the History. - TheAHNShow with Michael Imhotep 7-30-23   REGISTER NOW: Next Class Starts Sat. 9-11-23, 2pm EST, ‘Ancient Kemet (Egypt), The Moors & The Maafa: Understanding The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. REGISTER NOW & WATCH!!! (LIVE 12 Week Online Course) with Michael Imhotep. Discounted Registration $80; ALL LIVE SESSIONS WILL BE RECORDED SO YOU CAN WATCH AT ANY TIME! WATCH CONTENT ON DEMAND! REGISTER HERE: https://theahn.learnworlds.com/course/ancient-kemet-moors-maafa-transatlantic-slave-trade-summer-2023 or https://TheAfricanHistoryNetwork.com/  

SpyCast
“Kenya, East Africa, and America” – with African Intelligence Chief Wilson Boinett

SpyCast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 68:42


Summary Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilson Boinett joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss Kenyan intelligence. Wilson is the former Director of Kenya's National Intelligence Service.  What You'll Learn Intelligence The effect of colonialism on intelligence The organization of Kenya's National Intelligence Service Wilson's role in adapting and reforming Kenyan intelligence  The Nairobi bombings and effects on East Africa Reflections Institutional insurgency The courage to push for and enact change *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Episode Notes This week on SpyCast, we are thrilled to be joined by our first ever African intelligence chief. Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilson Boinett is the individual credited with transforming Kenya's National Intelligence Service into the world-class agency it is today. Following a decades long career in the Kenyan Army, Wilson became the first Director of the newly created intelligence agency in 1999. He believed in the possibly of change and the potential for collaboration amongst East African countries and set out to do just that. Tune in to this week's episode to learn more about his extraordinary career and lessons in leadership.  This episode is the second in our Spy Chiefs Special series that will run throughout September. Stay tuned in the weeks to come to hear perspectives from Ireland, India, and the first woman to direct an American intelligence organization.  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* Quotes of the Week I was coming in at the time when all those things were happening and the Cold War was over, and the western intelligence did not care very much what Kenya was going to do. So, I had an opportunity to look at this monster called change …. I went to the president, and I said, “I think it is time to change.” And he said, “Go change it.”  Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023) Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)  Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023) The 75th Anniversary of the CIA with former Director Robert Gates (2022) *Beginner Resources* A Brief History of Kenya, A. Boddy-Evans, ThoughtCo (2020) [Short Article] The Late British Empire, History Matters, YouTube (2017) [Ten-minute video] What Was the Mau Mau Uprising? Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Short article] *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* DEEPER DIVE Books History of Resistance in Kenya, M. wa Kĩnyattĩ (Mau Mau Research Center, 2019) Kenya After 50: Reconfiguring Historical, Political, and Policy Milestones, M. M. Kithinji et al. (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016)  Population, Tradition, and Environmental Control in Colonial Kenya, M. S. Shanguhyia (University of Rochester Press, 2015) Kenya: A History Since Independence, C. Hornsby (I.B. Tauris, 2013) Primary Sources  Report of the Accountability Review Boards: Bombings of the US Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, US Department of Justice (1999) 5 Fugitives Indicted in Embassy Bombings, J. Mintz, The Washington Post (1998) The National Security Intelligence Service Act (1998)  Lancaster House Agreement, United Nations Peacemaker (1979) Kenya Independence Act (1963) Kenyan Independence Memorandum by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth, UK National Archives (1963) Mau Mau Violence – Control Measures, CIA (1953)  The Situation in Kenya (Mau Mau Uprising), CIA (1952)  General Act of the Berlin Conference on West Africa, San Diego State University (1885)  *EXTENDED SHOW NOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE* *Wildcard Resource* Take a trip to Nairobi from your couch and explore the National Museums of Kenya through Google Arts & Culture.  Explore Kenya's 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Take a Tour of the Nairobi Gallery, or Learn a Bit of Swahili, one of Kenya's two official languages!

Long Story Short
The Sins of King Leopold II

Long Story Short

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 7:09


In this episode of Long Story Short, host Liwa delves into the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State during the reign of King Leopold II of Belgium. The episode begins with a reflection on the saying "If you throw a stone in a river, you don't know where the ripples would reach or end," emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of actions.Liwa takes us back to the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where European powers divided Africa for their own interests. The Congo Free State was established during this conference and granted to King Leopold II as his personal possession. The vast territory, exceeding 2.6 million square kilometers, became a source of exploitation, particularly for rubber.However, the labor policies implemented to extract rubber were brutal, involving forced labor and violent coercion by the state's military force, the Force Publique. Workers who refused to collect rubber were killed, and entire villages were destroyed. The soldiers accounted for each bullet fired by severing the hands of workers. These policies had a devastating impact on the Congolese population, leading to a decline estimated between 1.5 million to 13 million due to disease, famine, violence, and social disruption.Christian missionaries working in the region exposed the atrocities to the international community, causing outrage. The campaign against the Congo Free State gained momentum under the leadership of British activist E. D. Morel. Eventually, in 1908, under international pressure, the Belgian government annexed the Congo Free State and put an end to many of the abusive systems.The episode highlights the ongoing effects of Belgian colonization in the Congo. Decades of dictatorship, civil war, and economic decline have left the region struggling with extreme poverty, political instability, and conflict. Liwa mentions that while King Philippe of Belgium expressed regret for the "acts of violence and cruelty" during the Congo Free State's rule in 2020, some activists argue that a full and proper apology has not been made to the Congolese people.In conclusion, the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under King Leopold II's reign were a dark chapter in Congolese history, with long-lasting effects. The legacy of Belgian colonization continues to impact the country today, and it is crucial to acknowledge and address the ongoing issues faced by the Congolese people.

The African History Network Show
Much of What We've Been Told about Virginia's 1619 1st Africans is WRONG!!!

The African History Network Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 16:00


Much of What We've Been Told about Virginia's 1619 1st Africans is WRONG!!! - Michael Imhotep Black Conservative Kim Klacik thinks that Black people are better off because of Slavery??? Has she ever heard of The Berlin Conference of 1884? There were at least 262 Skills, Trades & Crafts that African people had in the U.S. from 1619 - 1865. Many of the skills we brought from Africa. We didn't have to be put into an 'Apprenticeship' program to learn trades. Historian, Michael Imhotep, founder of 'The African History Network' breaks down the History. - TheAHNShow with Michael Imhotep 7-30-23   REGISTER NOW: Next Class Starts Sat. 8-5-23, 2pm EST, ‘Ancient Kemet (Egypt), The Moors & The Maafa: Understanding The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. REGISTER NOW & WATCH!!! (LIVE 12 Week Online Course) with Michael Imhotep host of The African History Network Show. Discounted Registration $80; ALL LIVE SESSIONS WILL BE RECORDED SO YOU CAN WATCH AT ANY TIME! WATCH CONTENT ON DEMAND! REGISTER HERE: https://theahn.learnworlds.com/course/ancient-kemet-moors-maafa-transatlantic-slave-trade-summer-2023 or  https://theafricanhistorynetwork.com/

Redefining Energy - Minutes
59. Berlin Infrastructure Conference, IRA, Aramco, VW, Brookfield, JERA

Redefining Energy - Minutes

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2023 9:05


Every Sunday, Gerard and Laurent revisit last week's news in the Energy Transition:On the menu:- Gerard and Laurent share their takeaways after the spectacular Berlin Infrastructure Conference- Big numbers at Aramco and VW- Interesting deals: Brookfield, JERA- Chinese Wind Turbines in EuropePics from the Berlin Conference:https://www.splento.com/peimedia/Mk8i6

Glocal Citizens
Episode 165: Bigger Than Africa with Yasmina Edwards

Glocal Citizens

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 47:43


Greetings Glocal Citizens! This week's herstory comes to us from New York, via France, Benin and Nigeria. Yasmina F. Edwards, born in France, and spending summers traveling to Africa including her homelands in Benin and Nigeria, is the founder of the YFE Agency (https://www.yasminaedwards.com/). In both corporate work and entrepreneurship, Yasmina is best known for her cultural awareness and savvy. She has worked with award-winning creatives, activists, and CEOs, notably women and members of underrepresented communities. She has secured more than 300 media placements globally from CNN, Vogue, Le Figaro, Jeune Afrique, MSNBC, and the Hollywood Reporter, as well as partnering with well-known Festivals such as the Toronto Film Festival and Afropunk. In nine years, she has been instrumental in helping transition creatives and public personalities from their local markets to a global audience. She single-handedly helps them build their brands in the US using social media platforms, shaping their messages in order to connect with new audiences. She provides connections with the relationships she's built over the years and uses these connections to successfully initiate key brand partnerships that continue to be the cornerstone of her work and her clients' careers. She firmly believes that access is what stands between a person and an opportunity; she is committed to providing the keys that open the doors to her clients' success. Where to find Yasmina? On LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmina-f-edwards-4200ba5/) On Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/yasminafedwards/?hl=en) On Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/yfeagency) On YouTube (http://xn--%22%22-kf0c/) On TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@yasminafedwards) What's Yasmina reading? Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change (https://a.co/d/9djRMAP) by Stacey Abrahms No Disrespect (https://a.co/d/5c7kGt4) by Sistah Souljah Le Cri de L'innocence (https://a.co/d/0iHxdql) by Gabriel Soulyeka What's Yasmina listening to? The Diary of a CEO (https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDiaryOfACEO?app=desktop) 3jaj Podcast (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sara-zri) Other topics of interest: Where is Poitier, France (https://www.poitiers.fr) Oyo Empire (https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/oyo/) The Berlin Conference (https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/11/15/berlin-1884-remembering-the-conference-that-divided-africa) Bigger Than Africa (https://www.netflix.com/title/81562777) Iman (https://destinationiman.com) Special Guest: Yasmina Edwards.

Stories to be tolled
An Ode to Africville

Stories to be tolled

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2023 7:17


In this episode Tracy put's her 'poetic narrative' hat on with a celebration to mark February's Canadian Heritage Month.  Africville was a small community of African Nova Scotians who first came from New York to settle in Nova Scotia, Canada from 1783 onwards. infamy and controversy became associated with the site after World War 2 when it became the target for undesirable facilities to be established and was razed to the ground under agendas for 'urban renewal' where its original residents were then forced to vacate and relocated to housing projects. If you liked this podcast, then stay on this listening platform and check out my other podcast episodes related to this one The Book of Negroes: How Africa came to Nova Scotia all the way back from the very first season. Don't forget what I call the heart and soul of the ‘Stories to be tolled' movement; my stories or ‘poetic narratives' Caribbean 'Wind' Caribbean 'Rush'   Nights at the Round Table - the Berlin Conference 1884 and Gone with the Wind?- Macmillan's speech for change ‘Gone with the Wind-Macmillan's speech for change' are all available on the website in both kindle and paperback formats. Also, the publication of the latest four titles. To find out more, just visit storiestobetolled.com and check out the learning platforms for The Journey's End - giving back Hong Kong‘ ‘Bite from the Big Apple - a story for New York Hope for Zimbabwe - arise the Phoenix  and A Story for South Africa‘  Why not check out the promotions page on the website where you'll find more information about our free giveaways and this month it's our logo t-shirt! Now, if you're not a part of the email list, what are you waiting for? Visit Stories to be tolled  and sign up where you can opt in and receive your free samples of my first four titles. It's the only way to enter the draw for a chance to win a giveaway.  You can also read our monthly news letter for March  as well. Finally, remember that you can also send me an audio message on the Speakpipe link which is also in the show notes, so don't be a stranger! Feel free to like, follow and share us on social media when you visit the website. Just click on to whichever social media link you would like to follow us on. And as always, it is a pleasure and a privilege to share my learning journey with you in this podcast series and I encourage you to either begin or continue your own because: History: is… a matter of fact or perspective?   Stay safe, stay well, stay blessed.  Thanks so much for listening and I'll see you on the next page!

Local Diaspora
The Battle at Adwa: African Triumph Against Colonialism

Local Diaspora

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 14:52


In this episode, we delve into the Battle of Adwa, fought on March 1, 1896, between the Ethiopian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy. Despite being vastly outgunned, the Ethiopian forces were able to successfully repel the Italian colonialists, defending their independence and sovereignty. We discuss the roots of the conflict, including the Scramble for Africa, the Berlin Conference, and the Treaty of Wuchale. We explore the impacts of the Battle of Adwa on modern anti-fascist movements, pan-Africanism, black and African solidarity, and anti-imperialist resistance. We also highlight the ongoing issues of poverty, conflict, and inequality in Africa that stem from European colonialism. Articles to check out: https://theconversation.com/the-battle-of-adwa-an-ethiopian-victory-that-ran-against-the-current-of-colonialism-132360 Book: Days of emperor and clown;: The Italo-Ethiopian War by: James Dugan Contact us! Insta: @Populareducationradio Email: populareducationradio@gmail.com

Lyndeurozone Euro Simplified
#324 Unit 7 - European Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa

Lyndeurozone Euro Simplified

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 32:56


In this episode we look at how the Berlin Conference of 1884 leads to the eventual takeover of Africa by the European powers. Lyndeurozone.com  Patreon If you use this podcast regularly would you please consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as a dollar a month?  The Euro Simplified Podcast has no advertising revenue and is produced by a public school teacher.  We love and appreciate our supporters on Patreon as our supporters help us meet the costs associated with the production of this free resource for students. Episodes will be released on the following schedule: Unit 1 and Unit 2 - August/September Unit 3: October Unit 4: November Unit 5: November and December Unit 6: January Unit 7: Late January & February Unit 8 : March Unit 9: April   If you have any questions you can contact Robert Lynde at Lyndeurozone.com.  

On This Day In History
The Berlin Conference Concluded

On This Day In History

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2023 1:59


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JBMUWONGE PODCAST - UGANDA'S JOURNEY TO FREEDOM
How Africa can avoid getting Scrambled | China America, Russia are all pulling Africa for a share

JBMUWONGE PODCAST - UGANDA'S JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 9:20


How Africa can avoid getting Scrambled | China America, Russia etc are all pulling Africa for a share African leaders must be more imaginative and proactive in pooling their efforts and setting the agenda. At the conclusion of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which notoriously carved up the African continent and apportioned its territories to Europe's imperial powers of the day, signatories to the act that formalized the new borders and zones of influence highlighted education and the “material well-being of the native populations” as justification for their historic power grabs. Over the half-century or so that followed what came to be known as the “Scramble for Africa,” Europe did virtually nothing to further education on the continent and inflicted some of the worst atrocities of the modern era on Africans, as colonists raced to extract natural resources using land seizures and forced labor, and implemented military conscription to fight and provide pack horse-like logistical support in Europe's wars. Most of what is recalled today about this terrible scramble are the arbitrary borders that created numerous economically crippled, landlocked territories and by turns divided members of coherent ethnic groupings and thrust together people with vast cultural differences or histories of enmity. Forgotten almost completely are the moral rationales that Western powers mobilized to justify their takeover and stewardship of an entire continent. Much has been written lately about a new scramble for Africa that is supposedly underway, involving a growing list of outside powers. The list is led by China, the United States, France, and Russia, but also present are other parties that have less history of involvement with Africa but are now being drawn in, including Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, South Korea, Turkey, Vietnam, and others. All are seeking business opportunities on the continent positioned to drive most human population growth over the rest of this century—or more insidiously, are aiming to counter the influence of a global or regional rival. Talk of a new scramble for Africa was strongly revived by last week's U.S.-Africa Summit in Washington, the first since the Obama administration held one in 2014. U.S. press coverage has been peppered with allusions to a subtext for the event that was all but proscribed in the proceedings themselves but nonetheless seemed ever present in the minds of U.S. officials: how the United States can compete with China for influence in Africa. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jb-muwonge/message

The Real Wakandas of Africa
Berlin Conference or Congo Conference?

The Real Wakandas of Africa

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2022 10:28


With vocal impressions of famous Black historical leaders and the fusion of history, spoken word and hip-hop, author, scholar and orator Maurice Miles Martinez (MC Brotha Miles) discusses the impact of the Berlin Conference on Africa. He concludes with a powerful poem. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maurice-miles-martinez/support

Stories to be tolled
Tracy DW in conversation with...

Stories to be tolled

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2022 10:37


Tracy DW continues her celebration of Black History Month in the UK with a dip in 'the pond' and travelling across to the US with a continuation of her conversation with Angela Thomas Smith founder of 'Aspiring Authors' and the 'African American  Author Literacy Awareness Campaign.' Tracy is a participant in Angela's '122 Authors from around the World' campaign for 2033 and looks forward to working alongside Angela to promote and inspire others on their authorship journey throughout the coming year. 'History is...a matter of fact or perspective?' School Leader and author of the 'Stories to be tolled' poetic narratives, Tracy DW attempts to explore this question through her podcast series. By inviting you to share her learning journey through discussing evidence about a range of historical topics and inviting you the listener to reflect on potential answers, Tracy DW advocates a more global approach to understanding history and presents learning about Britain's colonial past in a way that is thought provoking and engaging. This episode is closely related to podcasts in Season 1 ‘The Pink Map Project – the Ultimate Paradox' this episode focuses on the Scramble for Africa and partners with Tracy's poetic narrative ‘Nights at the Round Table the Berlin Conference 1884' available on our website or on Amazon in kindle and paper back formats: https://mybook.to/NightsatRTkindle https://mybook.to/NightsattheRoundT If you enjoy these podcasts, visit the website https://storiestobetolled.com for our stories (poetic narratives) as well as more information about what we do.  

The African History Network Show
The Woman King & The Real History of The Kingdom of Dahomey' - Prof. James Small

The African History Network Show

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2022 147:00


Historian, Prof. James Small, former Black Studies Prof. at CUNY and featured in the films, 'Hapi', 'Hidden Colors' & 'Elementary Genocide 3', joins Michael Imhotep to discuss 'The Woman King & The Real History of The West African Kingdom of Dahomey'. The #1 Movie, 'The Woman King' from producer Viola Davis and Director Gina Prince-Bythewood is amazing audience as it is 'Inspired by True Events' involving the African Female Warriors known as the Agojie or the Ahosi. We separate Fact from Fiction and deal with better Understanding The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the real history of Dahomey and more. (WATCH VIDEO) https://youtu.be/5B6FDnyOXHw No movie is 100% Historically accurate. Not even the White ones. These are not documentaries. They are Hollywood movies. These movies should lead people to seek out the real history of Dahomey, the Oyo Empire (Yoruba), The Agojie, African Martial Arts, African Spirituality, Ifa, the Orisha like Ogun mentioned in the film, The Franco-Dahomean Wars 1890s, Colonialism, Berlin Conference of 1884 - 1885, Great Britain abolishing Slavery in 1834 after being involved in Slavery for 272 years, etc. Support The African History Network through Cash App @ https://cash.app/$TheAHNShow or PayPal @ TheAHNShow@gmail.com or http://www.PayPal.me/TheAHNShow .

Healthier Solutions
The Berlin Conference: when European Leaders Gathered to Divide and Colonise Africa for Europe

Healthier Solutions

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2022 22:05


The Berlin Conference: One day, Saturday, November 15, 1884Wilhelmstrasse, in Berlin a group of men sat to decide how they would divide, rule and plunder. At the Berlin conference, the Europeans established the rules for the conquest and partition of Africa. Here, they laid down rules of the lands, whereby each of them would invade, rule over and plunder. They legitimized using Africa as a playground for outsiders, meaning the Europeans; its mineral wealth as a resource for the outside world, not for Africans, and its fate as a matter not to be left to Africans.

Underground Feed Back Stereo x Brothers Perspective Magazine Broadcast
Underground Feed Back Stereo: Brothers Perspective Magazine - Leopold of Belgium - Atrocities in the Congo Severed Hands Small Pox Red Rubber Sleeping Sickness

Underground Feed Back Stereo x Brothers Perspective Magazine Broadcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 6:46


Underground Feed Back Stereo - Brothers Perspective Magazine - Leopold of Belgium - Atrocities in the Congo Severed Hands Small Pox Red Rubber Sleeping Sickness During the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, Europeans colonized the Congo Basin region to a private charitable organization run by Leopold II, who had aspirations of being a colonizer. This land under Leopold's seizure was more than 1,000,000 square miles; The stolen land colony was considered profitable. The Europeans infatuated demand for natural rubber, which was plentiful in the Congo, created the perfect storm of more European Greed in the 1890s. To help facilitate the thievery and stealing of rubber, all Parts of the land in the Congo was nationalized, with the majority distributed to private companies as concessions. The Hells on Earth in a Red Rubber System designed by the Belgium helped to create its own forced labor system or a new Slave Society in the Congo. The Belgian Dutch ran Free State administration were able to use virtually any rules they wanted to increase production and profits without state interference. abuses became the law of the land due to ruthless tyrant behavior placed upon the Congolese people by the Belgian Dutch Outsiders. The duration of service by the enslaved was out of control because nothing was regulated by any laws and left to the Belgian colonizers on the land. From 1885 to 1908, well-documented atrocities were perpetrated in the Congo Free State (now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo) during this time the Nation was labeled a colony because of forced individual control by Leopold II of Belgium. This control was in place to steal natural rubber for monetary export. The Belgian Colonizers forced epidemic disease, famine, and a falling birth rate caused by these disruptions, the atrocities contributed to a sharp decline in the Congolese population. The scale of the population estimates range to more than 15 million African people. The Congo Free State was a corporate state controlled by Leopold II through a non-governmental organization called the International African Association.This state included all of present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo that existed from 1885 until 1908. The Belgium government reluctantly gave up the area. #diabetes #75dab #guncontrol #birthcontrol #gentrification #stopviolence #blackmusic #chicago #southsidechicago #blackart #redlining #maumau #biko70 #chicago #soldout #PersonalOpinionDataBase #protest #blackart #africanart #gasprices #undergroundfeedbackstereo #blackpeople #race #brothersperspectivemagazine brothersperspective.com undergroundfeedbackstereo.com joelefthandrecords.com feat. art by instagram.com/nappy9folics www.nappy9folics.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/brothersperspectivemag/message

Stories to be tolled
Remembering Patrice Lumumba

Stories to be tolled

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2022 19:25


'On the 30th June 2020. Juliana Lumumba wrote a letter directly to Phillippe King of the Belgians with a special request: That the remains of her father be repatriated to his homeland so that he would no longer be, in her words ‘a hero without a grave.' Inspired by recent events to mark the Independence Day celebration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tracy DW dedicates this podcast episode to the country's Revolutionist and first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. A man who was dedicated to making his country a better place to live and making a better life for his people but was tragically cut down before reaching his prime and fulfilling his promise. Despite the fact that The Congo was never a British colony, Britain had mining interests in the Congo's vast natural resources and this was seen as part of the wider process at work that conspired to remove Lumumba from power and ultimately bring about his demise. This podcast is closely related to Tracy's poetic narrative 'Nights at the Round Table-the Berlin Conference 1884' and 'Gone with the Wind-Macmillan's speech for Change available in all formats from https://storiestobetolled.com   Today's episode is brought to you by HelloFresh! Click on the link to get 50% of your first box then 35% of your next THREE boxes! https://hellofresh-uk.648q.net/c/3408033/651733/7901 'History is...a matter of fact or perspective?' School Leader and author of the 'Stories to be tolled' poetic narratives, Tracy DW attempts to explore this question through her podcast series. By inviting you to share her learning journey through discussing evidence about a range of historical topics and inviting you the listener to reflect on potential answers, Tracy DW advocates a more global approach to understanding history and presents learning about Britain's colonial past in a way that is thought provoking and engaging.

The Anti Empire Project with Justin Podur
Scramble for Africa 21: mini-scramblers Portugal, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark…

The Anti Empire Project with Justin Podur

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 91:14


The biggest player in the Scramble for Africa was England. Second place to France, third to Germany. But there were many other European powers at the Berlin Conference in 1884 and the plunder of Africa was shared among even the smallest of European countries. Who and how, in this episode of the Scramble for Africa.

African History Blog Podcast
An overview of the Scramble and Partion of Africa and the Berlin Conference

African History Blog Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2022


MTN: 651108636ORANGE: 690424686In the previous posts, I gave an overview of the Scramble of Africa. Essentially revealing the reasons for this and how it was done. After the abolition of the Slave Trade, the European powers in quest for a new sense of pride and financial gains, decided to exercise their imperial ambitions by conquering Africa, mostly in the guise of civilizing them, which was a fallacious story told by the European Monarchy and governments to it's populations to avoid politically correct citizens from protesting. Except, there were already civilizations in Africa, and fully functional societies. The greed and insatiable appetite of the European powers reached its apex during the Berlin West African Conference in 1884.… In the recording below, I will give a detailed explanation of everything in regards to the topic. Now keep in mind that it's my first podcast and I am pretty nervous, but I believe I will ameliorate with time to give everyone better content. Don't forget to subscribe and reply in the comments if there's any criticism. As explained in the recording, very little of the continent was occupied. The presence of European powers was mostly along the coast, and they barely ventured in the interior. But with several technological innovations and The Berlin Conference, only two territories were not colonised and occupied at the eve of the First World War of 1914This image personally reminds me of the Mafia syndicates of New York City. Where a group of powerful people sit together and carve out territories where they can rob and pillage the people of that area. It aligns with my views that the conference was just European powers deciding on how to rob Africa better, like an organized crime syndicate. Get full access to African History Blog at africanhistoryblog.substack.com/subscribe

Lyndeurozone Euro Simplified
#324 Unit 7 - European Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa

Lyndeurozone Euro Simplified

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 32:56


In this episode we look at how the Berlin Conference of 1884 leads to the eventual takeover of Africa by the European powers. Would you like to buy me a cup of coffee for providing this free resource to students?  If so you can go to Lyndeurozone.com and hit the donate button to make a donation in any amount that you are comfortable making.  Even a just buck helps keep this podcast free for the students that use it.. Lyndeurozone.com  Patreon If you use this podcast regularly would you please consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as a dollar a month?  The Euro Simplified Podcast has no advertising revenue and is produced by a public school teacher.  We love and appreciate our supporters on Patreon as our supporters help us meet the costs associated with the production of this free resource for students. Episodes will be released on the following schedule: Unit 1 and Unit 2 - August/September Unit 3: October Unit 4: November Unit 5: November and December Unit 6: January Unit 7: Late January & February Unit 8 : March Unit 9: April If you have any questions you can contact Robert Lynde at Lyndeurozone.com. Instagram: @Lyndeurozone

On This Day In History
The Berlin Conference Concluded

On This Day In History

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2022 1:59


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Stories to be tolled
Tracy DW with 'Facing Purpose'

Stories to be tolled

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2022 15:14


February is the month for celebrating Black History in the USA. In this podcast episode Tracy makes a virtual visit across 'the Pond' and shares the first part of her very first interview. The interview was recorded on New Years Day on the 'Facing Purpose Radio Show' in the US hosted by Elder Lakia Barnett. In this episode Tracy shares what was the turning point for her in her educational career, the cause of self-doubt when she debuted as a podcaster and what is important to her as she balances her role as a school leader with the many 'hats' that she has to wear. If you enjoy these podcasts then visit the website https://storiestobetolled.com for more information and join us on our mailing list and receive a free sample of each of the current story titles. At times, small parts of the recording are omitted and so the full transcript is provided below: LB: Welcome back to Facing Purpose Radio show, I'm your host Lakia Barnette!  it's so great to be back before you and happy new year to everybody that Is listening right now. I am excited first of all to be in the land of the living I have had one heck of a week, you guys! I think the last show I was fine and then the next time I pump the round, I got sick you guys! My whole house but Praise be to God I am sitting here well and I'm back to doing what I love to do and also what God tells me to do. So I just wanna say ‘happy new year' to all of you guys and praying that you're healthy, well and praying for your healing if you are not feeling well in your body on this beautiful Saturday night. This is January 1st CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! I can't because 2022 is here. So I'm excited about our guest on tonight. All the way form the UK. How can you all say we touching down in the UK like that's super dobe but anyhow, I am excited about her, she is an author, a podcaster, she does so many different things. We like to call this a woman with many, many hats so without further ado, let's go ahead and introduce Tracy Williams! Welcome to Facing Purpose! TDW: Hi everyone! Hi Lakia, I am so grateful to be on the show! Thank you for giving me this opportunity, tonight and you know, it's the first night of the Year for us so I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for me to kick off 2022 with an interview, so thanks for having me. LB: Yes! and I'm so, listen I love your accent Tracy, your accent is beautiful. I've never been to the UK. I've heard about the UK but I've never been there. Would like to go one day if I can get the nerve to sit on a plane that long ok. Everybody who knows me knows I'm not a friend of planes at all but we're gonna break that this year but I would be excited to visit that place one day, one day I have to go. So, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself to everybody Tracy? TDW: I'm Tracy Williams, I write under the pen name of Tracy DW because, as you said I'm a woman wearing many hats. I not only write stories for children and I do podcasting but I'm also a singer songwriter as well and writing songs was pretty much how I got into writing from a very young age. But having said that, I've always been an avid reader, I've always had a passion for history and it is from those two things that my stories or my story series called ‘Stories to be tolled' is actually born from.  I have been in education, been working in the British education system for many years now and I currently work as a Deputy Head teacher in a school in East London which is the equivalent of a Vice Principle, I think, in the States. After having many years of teaching black history month in October (because we have black history month in October over in the UK), I just became a bit despondent  with the way that black history was being conveyed and was being, or not being taught in schools. There was a particular focus in black history month on American history rather than British history so I thought ‘ you know, I'm gonna do something about this.' I've always had a passion for the British Empire and Britain's colonial past and it has been something that I feel has been a missing link within our education system, particularly in our British education system and I just got the idea for writing some stories that I hoped would inspire children and would inspire people to learn about the topic in a more imaginative, though provoking and engaging way.  So, as I began to do my research I did a timeline and structured my stories chapters and story titles around that and. One day in January, actually several year ago back in 2017 I sat down at my desk and began to write the stories as I began to write I just felt ‘WOW' this is a major piece of work and it really does deserve a platform. Now at the time I hadn't thought u of the name ‘stories to be tolled' it was just a set of stories but as I began to write it just started from there and I felt it deserved something more. That's how I built the website around it and placed min documentaries and additional learning journeys and then last, but not least the podcast series came along and it just opened up a whole new world it gave a different dimension to the stories.  I use it to compliment the stories in terms of the research that didn't go into the stories. I script them and then turn them into a podcast series and I just invite listeners to come along with me on my learning journey. So, the podcasts provide a more dynamic slant a more dynamic dimension to the stories so here I am today talking to you I have four stories out at the moment which are available on the website ‘Caribbean wind,' Caribbean Rush,' ‘Nights at the Round  Table- the Berlin Conference 1884  and ‘Gone with the Wind?' which I'm having a special focus right now in January. Not a celebration but like a commemoration of the famous ‘Wind of Change' speech  by Harold Macmillan that was given in Accra Ghana in January in  1960, so that a little bit about me. LB: Well, that was an amazing intro, letting people know just who you are and what amazing things that you do. So tell me about your podcast. Tell me a little bit about how that kind of started and what is it about and what is it gearing towards? TDW: Well, it was something that I had never considered before. I think lock down last year, or rather in 2020 I think that was a catalyst for many people to develop some kind of ambition or aspiration. Whether it be writing a book or doing something creative because obviously we were all at home for such a long time. I never considered doing a podcast. If someone had told me two years ago ‘you know Tracy you're gonna be doing a podcast in 2020, you're gonna begin doing that' I would have never believed them but I had so much research that hadn't made it in to the stories so I thought ‘well, how can I repurpose all of this valuable content? It didn't fit into the stories. what can I do with it?' So I thought I'll create some scripts and I'll set up a podcast series and continue my learning journey and continue to share my learning journey through that. Also it provides a human element it provides a face, it provides a voice it provides a speaking platform to the stories and my format for each episode is quite similar. I refer to the stories in the content of my episodes. Some of the episodes are not linked to the stories. Some of the episodes are linked to various things that are trending. So instance when Barbados became a republic in October last year I decided, ‘right, I think that's a very apt thing to do a podcast focus.' To be honest, I hadn't learnt that much about Barbados because it doesn't really crop up anywhere in my stories so the podcasts really work to ‘fill the gap' as it were and to bridge the gap between what the stories leave out and what is either currently going on in the world relating to the post-colonial era or what's happened in the past. So that's where and how my podcasts fit in to the whole ‘Stories to be tolled' movement. LB: Well. I love how different your podcasts sound, that you make them link to the book that you're putting out and what you're speaking to and what you believe. I think that is like super cool to have a podcast like that. So, let me ask this question; has it always been easy and I know that's like ‘really Lakia, you ask me has it been easy?' I think that a lot of people don't understand the story behind the voice that you hear and behind the faces that you see. They didn't just arrive, you know, things happen along the way. So you now, do you wanna elaborate a little bit on a time when you can just remember you kinda' felt like you were just like ‘ look I don't know if I should continue doing this' have you ever felt like that? TDW: Oh yes I have had moments pf self-doubt. I wouldn't be human if I didn't have moments of self-doubt. I mean, one of the challenges I have isn't so much doing the podcasts but it's fitting it in to everything else. I'm a school leader, I'm very, very busy and even within my role as a school leader I juggle hats, several hats within that. I think it's finding a balance that works for me as an individual which I am constantly striving to do to just find the time to put the work in. As you do podcasting the more and more you do it the key is to be regular, consistent and purposeful and continue to plan your workflow so you're always several steps ahead. So for instance, I currently have ideas for the next eight podcasts which are gonna take me up to Easter this year, so you're constantly planning topics that you want to look at. I have friends and family and acquaintances who come to me and ask me to do special focuses; ‘ Oh Tracy would you consider doing ‘this' as a focus or would you consider doing ‘that' as a focus for a podcast episode.' You know, I take on board feedback and ideas that come my way. You know, I'm very open, it does have a tight format but I'm very fluid and I'm very flexible to anything that is trending and to anything that people ask me to find out more about and make a special focus of. But yes, there have been times when I've thought ‘oh my God what am I doing? What am I doing?' Sometime we get what we call ‘imposter syndrome.'  ‘There's lots of people who are far more learned and far more knowledgeable about this subject than you why are you doing this? Who is it for? Who is going to listen?' Then I realise, when I get feedback from people I feel really encouraged, I feel really, really motivated, I feel really purposeful because at the end of the day I'm an educationalist, Oh I'm a black woman, I have a voice and I can bring my perspective as an individual as well as an educationalist to that and some people just can't do that.  Also there's the authenticity, just being myself and just looking at things and giving my own point of view and just making it engaging and making it understandable and informative because that's what a lot of people tell me. They tell me ‘Oh we love your podcasts, they're really informative' they're of a high standard, they really do connect the dots and present a more global perspective about the world that we live in today and we can make connections about the past with what is currently going on today. I think people have really come to appreciate the podcasts series because it's helped them to do the same, it's helped them to make those connections . It's for people who are just like me. You know, you make podcasts for people who are just like you. Who just want to learn more about a particular topic and don't want to come under any particular stress about it. Although in a good way I take the stress out of the learning because I put the work in to make certain topics more digestible, more concise and more cohesive. So yes, it is hard at times but when I get the feedback, when I look at the numbers on the STATS, I just know, it's all worth it… And that's what helps me to keep going!! LB: Absolutely, absolutely! I think everyone needs that encouragement because some people, we see things, we have a goal set in mind but sometimes we might not always set off, you know the way that we want but I love that you use the word ‘consistency.' There's consistency beside everything we do, behind everything that we do. So we're gonna take a quick, quick break Ms Tracy and when we come back, we're gonna dive in. I wanna know more about these books because you have a collection of books but also I wanna know more about your multi-media platform. We'll talk about that right after this break.

the in-betweenish pod

Who are you to yourself, when no one is around?Axel Kacoutié is not afraid to explore uncomfortable territory. We tread, not so lightly, on topics around their cultural identity, from Ivorian roots to British citizenship. We also explore questions around Axel's racial identity, and how the Berlin Conference from 1884, where Africa was neatly divided amongst European colonizers, still affects people today.Axel questions and makes sense of identity through expression, through art, and through writing. A few works mentioned in the episode were:A Mother TongueHow to RememberA Sound Poem Episode Mentions:Ethnicities — Bété people; Anyi (Akan) peopleFufu or Foutou — a mashed blend of plantains, cassava or yams. It is a staple dish for Akan people of Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana and other parts of West Africa.Djembe or Jembe drums — rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa the name of the djembe comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace" and defines the drum's purposeZaouli Dance — a traditional dance of the Guro people of central Ivory CoastChansonnier — an insightful singer, poet, songwriter that helps the community heal from old woundsThe Body Keeps the Score — Dr. Bessel van der Kolk____________________More about: Axel KacoutiéWebsite  |  Instagram  |  Twitter ____________________Curious about the in-betweenish podWebsite  |  Instagram  |  ContactThe in-betweenish pod is produced by Beatriz NourMusic is composed and produced by Malik Elmessiry

Breaking Walls
BW - EP123—006: January 1954—Smog! (And Other Current Events)

Breaking Walls

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 4:02


By the mid 1950s, smog was becoming a serious problem in American cities, especially Los Angeles. On January 15th, 1954 KNX broadcast a special called “The Troubled Air.” ___________ Residents of Los Angeles suffered from burning eyes, runny noses, persistent cough and shortness of breath. It came from pollutants caused by automobiles, factories, and garbage incinerators. This documentary aired in an effort to drive awareness, and speed-up City Hall's solution to the problem. ___________ Five days later, The National Negro Network was formed by Chicago ad executive W. Leonard Evans. Evans was the first African-American radio network owner in the country. ___________ Other partners were Ms. Reggie Schuebel, VP and Treasurer, and John M. Wyatt, Executive VP. The duo owned a New York-based radio and TV consulting company. Among those on the board was Cab Calloway. The network launched with forty-six affiliates. Broadcasting Magazine reported that twelve to fifteen million African-Americans were expected to be reached. ___________ In other news, on January 21st, The first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was launched. Four days later The Berlin Conference launched with ministers from The U.S., U.K., France, and The Soviet Union. Its purpose was to discuss a settlement to the recent Korean War and the ongoing First Indochina War. ___________ The conference would last until February 18th.

The Outlook
Libya and the Berlin Conference | 01/30/2020

The Outlook

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2022 12:11


The Anti Empire Project with Justin Podur
Scramble for Africa 7: The Continent Carved Up at the Berlin Conference 1884

The Anti Empire Project with Justin Podur

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2021 98:50


After six episodes of preparation we are ready to talk about the famous Berlin Conference of 1884 where Africa was actually carved up. Along the way you meet some of the most legendary villains – Stanley and Leopold (though you still haven't met Rhodes), also Livingstone and Brazza. We end in Berlin itself and at … Continue reading "Scramble for Africa 7: The Continent Carved Up at the Berlin Conference 1884"

Healthier Solutions
Benin City - the mighty capital of Great Benin Empire - looted, burned down by British 1897

Healthier Solutions

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2021 25:41


In 1485 the Portuguese were stunned to find this empire in the African jungle - a wealthy and highly organised society. Mathematically laid out city, earthworks longer than the Great Wall of China and 100X more material used for its Walls than the Great Pyramid of Cheops, Benin City was one of the best planned cities in the world when London was a place of ‘thievery and murder'. So why is nothing left? Benin City was the power-seat of the Great Benin Kingdom, which was destroyed, looted and burned to the ground. Today, some of the looted treasures (Benin Bronzes), some from the 13th century, are in Europe, America and other western nations. Most Edo people never see these treasures of art, culture and traditions of their ancestors. After the British destroyed Benin Empire, it was amalgamated with other regions which the British named "Nigeria". Benin Kingdom flourished 13th–19th century. The king of Benin (Oba Ovonramwen N' Ogbaisi) believed that the trade treaties and the impositions the pushed by the British was economically, culturally, socially and physically detrimental to the people of Benin. Also, at this time, the British was eager to control completely, the African land mass grabbed in 1884 (Check the Berlin Conference of 1884).

The Real Wakandas of Africa
The Berlin Conference: When Africa was Colonized by Europe 1884-1885 A.D.

The Real Wakandas of Africa

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2021 11:21


With vocal impressions of famous Black historical leaders and the fusion of history, spoken word and hip-hop, author, scholar and orator Maurice Miles Martinez (MC Brotha Miles) discusses the Berlin Conference and the colonization of Africa. He concludes with a powerful poem. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maurice-miles-martinez/support

Life's Tough
Special Interview with Queen Diambi of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Life's Tough

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 30:28


In this episode of Life's Tough—YOU can be TOUGHER!”, host Dustin Plantholt interviews Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this episode, Queen Diambi, whose name means “the bearer of good news,” shines her best light and shares important truths about the African continent.     This engaging interview begins with the story behind Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi's full name. Then, we learn more about the beauty and diverse history that Africa embodies—along with a section debunking misconceptions about Africa. In so doing, Queen Diambi delves into the “Two Africas.” There is the 1885 Berlin Conference vision of Africa in which Europeans sought to cut Africa into pieces for exploitative means. The Africa that Queen Diambi emphasizes is the Africa of the People—the Africa that is over 200,000 years old.     From this perspective, Queen Diambi talks about how Africa is where the true history and true accomplishments of civilization took place and continues to take place. In other words, Africa is the birthplace and foundation of civilization—and far more than the mere categorization of “cradle.” As Queen Diambi says, “We only left Africa 70,000 years ago. If humanity is 100, you leave Africa when you are 60…You didn't leave a cradle.” Queen Diambi also reframes the way Africa is portrayed by using an extended metaphor of Africa as our wise mother who we ought to realize our interconnected relationship with and show her the utmost respect for raising and supporting us.       Additionally, when you think about major concepts in mathematics, sciences, coding systems, philosophy, and architectural feats—all of this originated in Africa, too. So why is this history not taught in western schooling? As Queen Diambi reflects, it is about the so-called winners of history who “creat[e] an artificial narrative to justify why they treat Africa the way they do.”    Throughout the episode, we learn about the ways “Africa is our home, and that history belongs to our community” because African history is human history. And in the wise words of Queen Diambi, “We are all human. Our wealth reside[s] in our diversity because the more diverse we are, the more creative we can be when we have to find solutions. However, our strength lies in our unity. And unity doesn't mean unicity--unity means you are different, and I love it, because your difference will complete me. Your difference will supplement me—complement me. So, when we change that and we give everyone the opportunity to shine their best light, then how lit will we be together.”     If you are someone who enjoys learning accurate history of the world, understanding the reality behind common misconceptions, as well as discussions about how to create healing between countries and bridge the gap between communities—tune into the “Life's Tough—YOU can be TOUGHER!” podcast featuring highly esteemed guest, Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For more information, visit www.lifestough.com and follow our social media @LifesToughMedia. 

It's a Continent
Menelik II: Ethiopia's Emperor

It's a Continent

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 24:59


During the Scramble for Africa, Italy was eager to develop a 'second Roman Empire' within the continent. It set its sights on Ethiopia, which they were 'awarded' during the Berlin Conference of 1884-85. Now, all they had to do was remove the Ethiopian government and occupy the land. This proved easier said than done. At the time, Ethiopia was under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II, who was able to lead and defend his country against the Italian army. The Emperor helped to put Ethiopia on the map at a time where many African countries were being destroyed and exploited. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. Pre-order It's a Continent (2022) on Amazon and Waterstones We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Hosts: Chinny: Twitter/IG: chindomiee Astrid: IG: astrid_monologuesx Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Sources for further reading: The history of Ethiopia by Saheed A. Adejumobi The Battle of Adwa - Reflections on Ethiopia's history victory against European colonialism Towards an understanding of the African experience from historical and contemporary perspectives

The Greek Current
The Berlin conference on Libya: What's at stake?

The Greek Current

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 14:09


Germany and the United Nations are hosting an international conference on Libya in Berlin this week, and diplomats are aiming to take stock of Libya's political progress, prepare for a national election set for December, and discuss the withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries. The majority of the attendees already met at the first international conference on Libya, which was also hosted by Germany, in January 2020. This time around, members of the newly-formed Libyan transitional Government of National Unity will also attend. Libya analyst Aya Burweila joins The Greek Current to discuss the upcoming Berlin conference, and the latest developments in Libya.Aya Burweila is a Libyan expert from Benghazi and visiting lecturer at the Hellenic National Defense Academy. She is also publishing, together with Dr. Ethan Chorin, an upcoming volume on Libya titled Libya in 2021: What Went Wrong, What Comes Next.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Berlin conference: A step toward peace in Libya?Explainer-Untangling the crisis in LibyaMacron pitches Biden on plan to get foreign fighters out of LibyaDay After Reopening, Libyan Coastal Road ClosesMenendez, Rubio Applaud SFRC Passage Of U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021No summer pause seen for reforms

Stories to be tolled
Fire Sale! - The Louisiana Purchase 1803

Stories to be tolled

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2021 6:57


In this episode Tracy DW presents her perspective on arguably the most significant event in America's history. An event which saw the original 13 colonies transition into the 50 states we see today. A transition that cost the lives and land rights of many in order to benefit the few. Tracy also presents her own explanation as to why she thinks this is so inextricably linked to Britain's colonial past. You can find out more by clicking on the link  https://youtu.be/hy2qkTTt4RE Previous episodes 'The Pink Map Project-the Ultimate Paradox' and 'The Book of Negroes-how Africa came to Nova Scotia' will provide more of a background context to this episode. Tracy's story 'Night's at the Round Table-the Berlin Conference 1884' also provides some context and is available in all formats at https://storiestobetolled.com.   History is...a matter of fact or perspective? School Leader and author of the 'Stories to be tolled' poetic narratives, Tracy DW attempts to explore this question through her podcast series. By inviting you to share her learning journey through discussing evidence about a range of historical topics and inviting you the listener to reflect on potential answers, Tracy DW advocates a more global approach to understanding history and presents learning about Britain's colonial past in a way that is thought provoking and engaging. Please complete our survey http://survey.libsyn.com/stories2betolledto help us create more of what you want to listen to.

The History of the Congo
10. Claiming the Congo by planting flags

The History of the Congo

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 24:05


In this Episode we see the various facades of King Leopold II's philanthropy as he jostles to claim the central African lands he has just become aware of.  He maintains a three prong strategy: escalating aggressiveness in the Congo, appeasement of the European powers and an image of benevolence to the United States.  Tensions lead to the 1885 Berlin Conference and Leopold positions himself as the benign and neutral power in the Congo... 

New Books in Diplomatic History
Steven Press, "Rogue Empires: Contracts and Conmen in Europe's Scramble for Africa" (Harvard UP, 2017)

New Books in Diplomatic History

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 62:42


Steven Press is an Assistant Professor of History at Stanford University. His marvelous first book, Rogue Empires: Contracts and Conmen in Europe's Scramble for Africa (Harvard University Press, 2017), is an incredibly well-documented monograph that follows a paper trail of questionable treaties to discover the rogues or confidence men whose actions touched off the Scramble for Africa in the 1880s. Dr. Press shows in captivating detail how private European businessmen and firms produced hundreds of deeds purporting to buy political rights from indigenous African leaders whose understanding of these agreements was usually deemed irrelevant. A system of privately governed empires, some spanning hundreds of thousands of square miles, promptly sprang up in the heart of Africa. These experiments in governance quickly attracted notice in European capitals. The book portrays how the whole dubious enterprise came to a head at the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, when international diplomacy embraced rogue empires as legal precedents for new colonial agendas, opening up a host of dilemmas about the nature of modern statehood and sovereignty. Vladislav Lilic is a doctoral candidate in Modern European History at Vanderbilt University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The BaldHead -N- The Dread
Baldhead-N-The-Dread Ep. 3 | Dr. Jermain McCalpin

The BaldHead -N- The Dread

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 60:14


Groundings With Dr. Jermaine McCalpin | B.H.N.T.D Ep. 3Dr. Jermaine McCalpin is currently Chair of the African and African- American Studies Program at New Jersey City University.Listen powerful reasoning w/Dr. Jermaine McCalpin, Autarchii ,and Jr discussing how the scramble for Africa and the Berlin Conference of 1884 led to the creation of modern Africa. Dr. McCalpin also provide a clear definition of what a genocide is and how governments have failed to acknowledge the experiences of Africans during the Atlantic Slave Trade as an act of genocide.Watch : https://ineverknewtv.com/groundings-with-dr-jermaine-mccalpin-b-h-n-t-d-ep-3/

The Not Dumb Podcast
TNDP | 0040 - DBA8: Anthony Njigua & Chris Buyu - Pt. 1

The Not Dumb Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2019 80:24


In the eighth episode of DBA (Doing Business in Africa) Shimon and Iman are joined by Anthony Njigua and Chris Buyu. Anthony is the owner of Foodies without borders foodieswithoutborders.org. Chris is in the financial sector and has assisted in several tech startups. Both Chris and Anthony are from from Nairobi Kenya. Nairobi. Kenya's politics. The Hutu and the Tutsi divided. The Berlin Conference. War. Divide and Conquer. What's a refugee camp? Iman learns about tribalism. Economic hitmen. Monsanto is there. Living off the grid. BONUS: Eating in Kenya and expensive @burgerking.