Possessing a remarkable talent for diplomacy, Leopold successfully managed to persuade the world to recognize his Congo State, deftly playing the great powers against each other while simultaneously emphasizing the humanitarian and civilizing aspects of his mission.

It was against this backdrop of international competition, coupled with the prevailing missionary zeal to "bring civilization throughout the world," that King Leopold II of Belgium executed his great projects.

You mean when colonialists abolished slavery, introduced legal rights, ended age old bloody wars, built schools, free healthcare, provided jobs, infrastructure, and a common language, do you think people preferred these changes, what would you choose, and what do you think your ancestors chose?