The Crime of the Congo

The Crime of the Congo Sir Arthur Conan Doyle best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes examines the atrocities and human rights abuses that were taking place in the Congo Free State (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) under the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium. During King Leopold IIs personal rule of the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908 widespread forced labor brutal exploitation and violence against the Congolese population occurred. The book exposes the atrocities committed against the indigenous people by Leopolds agents and explores the tragic consequences of colonialism and exploitation in the region. Conan Doyle was deeply moved by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Congo and used his platform as a renowned author to raise awareness about the atrocities. The Crime of the Congo served as a passionate and powerful indictment of the abuses committed by King Leopold IIs administration and the Belgian Congo.