"Belgians in the Congo": Royalty, Rubber, and Ruin | The Kids History Podcast Inspired by Billy Joel

About this episode

This episode explores the dark history of Belgian colonialism in the Congo under King Leopold II.

It’s just four words in a catchy Billy Joel rhyme, but behind it lies one of the darkest and most devastating chapters in global history. This week on History Ignited, we are pulling up a chair at the family table to unpack the brutal reality behind the lyric: "Belgians in the Congo." Join us as we trace how King Leopold II turned a massive stretch of Central Africa into his own personal, corporate fiefdom under the guise of humanitarian aid. We break down the horrific human cost of the globa...

People in this episode

Host: History Ignited

Topics covered

• Belgium
• Congo
• colonialism
• humanitarian aid
• history
• Billy Joel

Keywords

• Belgium
• Congo
• King Leopold II
• colonialism
• history
• Billy Joel
• humanitarian aid

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Congo

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