HISTORY · Aug 1, 2026 In population comparisons about the Congo Free State, increases in disease and declines in birth rate during the comparison period are incorrectly attributed to murders ordered by King Leopold II of Belgium. MOSTLY BS
HISTORY · Aug 1, 2026 Sources that condemned King Leopold II for abuses in the Congo Free State do not support the specific claim that King Leopold II was responsible for killing 10 million people. HARDLY BS
HISTORY · Aug 1, 2026 The commonly cited figure of "10 million" deaths associated with King Leopold II's rule in the Congo Free State refers to a population shortfall versus expected population growth from 1885, rather than a documented kill count. HARDLY BS
HISTORY · Aug 1, 2026 There is no reliable population baseline for the Congo in 1885, so estimates of population loss during King Leopold II’s rule in the Congo Free State are largely guesswork. HARDLY BS