01 /
Big dreams for small countries - snails can also climb the pyramids?
On the ancient continent of Europe, Belgium is like a young actor who has just debuted, crowded in the middle of a group of big names, silently thinking in his heart: "One day, I will also be the protagonist!"
It's as small as a miniature puzzle, and the history of Belgian independence is no match for a feature-length TV series.
But the fact that such a small country can draw a large piece of its territory on the map of Africa is even more incredible than the magic of Harry Potter!
02 /
Surviving in the Cracks – The Belgian version of "Game of Thrones"
France, Germany, and the Netherlands, all of which are like "big stomachs" and may swallow Belgium if they are not careful.
But the Belgians are not so easy to deal with, they are like small characters in "Game of Thrones", although they are in danger, they can skillfully exploit the contradictions of the surrounding powers to profit from it.
While France and Germany were fighting for turf, the Belgians were silently counting the money and developing their economies.
They are like those little characters who quietly accumulate experience and level up in the game, and wait until the last minute to become the big winners in the game.
Riding on the free ride of the two industrial revolutions, Belgium's economy has grown rapidly, and by the time the big powers come to their senses, Belgium is fully fledged and ready to spread its wings.
03 /
Stop making a fuss—— reveal the "tricks" of Belgian colonization of Africa
When it comes to the story of Belgium's colonization of Africa, it is even more interesting. King Leopold II was an ambitious man who wanted to find land in Africa and make Belgium a colonial power.
But it's definitely not okay to grab it directly, it's so faceless. So, he came up with a clever way - "scientific investigation".
This "scientific investigation" is actually a façade. American explorers were hired to "explore" the Congo River valley, but in fact, to occupy territory!
This is much more clever than directly grabbing land, which can not only hide people's eyes and ears, but also achieve the goal. The Belgians are very shrewd, they know that there are many tribes, but they are not homogeneous.
Therefore, provoking tribal contradictions and breaking them down has become the most labor-saving choice. This is simply the realistic version of the "Thirty-six Strategies"!
In this way, the Belgians skillfully used the trick of "scientific expeditions" and succeeded in establishing their own colonies in Africa.
And the deceived locals are probably still wondering, "What the hell are these Belgians here for? Why did they suddenly become our masters?"
04 /
The "spoils" at the Berlin Conference - Belgium reaped the benefits of the fishermen
When King Leopold II of Belgium stared at the Congo River valley with satisfaction on the map, the bigwigs of Britain, France, Germany and other powers were not happy.
The vinegar jar in their hearts is turned over, and they can smell the sour! These old colonial countries must not feel good when they see Belgium, a "transfer student," so proud.
But then again, they themselves are not so united, the competition between Britain and France over the African colonies is already an open secret, and Germany is even more sneering on the sidelines, ready to pick up a bargain at any time.
The Berlin Conference of 1884 was like a "spoils conference." Delegates from all countries are vying for a bigger slice of the African pie.
But what turned out to be that the Belgian fisherman watched quietly, and in the end he made the most profits, and succeeded in pocketing most of the Congo River basin.
It's almost like the "last winner" in a poker game, and the Belgian smiles and accepts the biggest hole card.
05 /
Congolese Tears and Blood – Exposing the Darkness of Belgian Colonial Rule
After getting the treasure of the Congo, King Leopold II of Belgium was like a child who got a new toy. He treated the Congo as his personal property and gave it the name "Congolese Free State".
Unfortunately, it sounds like a good name, but it's actually a big joke. Under Belgian colonial rule, how can the Congolese people have any freedom?
They have suffered like never before: their populations have been decimated, their resources have been plundered, and their revolts have been brutally suppressed...... All of this has left a deep mark on the surging waters of the Congo River.
It is said that Leopold II also deliberately brought back a huge ivory sculpture from Congo as his trophy. But the ivory was stained with the blood and tears of the Congolese people.
What kind of spoils are these? This is clearly the proof of the crime! When the Belgians enjoyed their "fruits of victory," did they ever think of the Congolese people who paid a heavy price for their ambitions?
History is always fair, and it does not forget the truths that are buried in the dark. One day, these stories of blood and tears will be known to the people of the world, and Belgium will have to face up to and reflect on the crimes it has committed.
06 /
Historical Reflection and Redemption: The Road to Reconciliation between Belgium and the Congo
Faced with the pressure of international public opinion and the revolt of the Congolese people, Belgium finally took over the Congo from the crown in 1908. But this did not mean the end of colonial rule, and the revolt of the Congolese people continued.
It was not until 1960 that Belgium completely withdrew from Africa and Congo gained independence. This history is a painful memory for both Belgium and the Congo.
But the point of history is reflection and redemption, not endless hatred. Both Belgium and the Congo are striving to find a path of reconciliation and cooperation, hoping to write a better future together in the new era.
07 /
From African hegemon to global actor – Belgium's modern transformation and challenges
Today, Belgium is no longer the hegemon of the colonial era, but an important member of the European Union and NATO. It plays an active role in global affairs, tackling various challenges with other countries.
Of course, the shadow of history has not completely dissipated. Belgium still needs to face up to its mistakes and crimes in Africa's colonial past and strive to seek reconciliation and reparation with the affected countries. Only in this way can it win more respect and trust on the global stage.
Looking back at the colonial history of Belgium, we can't help but marvel at the complexity and wonder of history. A once small country now plays an important role on the global stage, and a history of violence and plunder has given rise to the power of reflection and redemption.
The story of Belgium tells us that no matter how big or small a country is, it has its own unique historical trajectory and development path;
We should have the courage to admit our mistakes and learn from them, so that we can build a more harmonious and better world together.