Miller 1

Katelyn Miller
October 4, 2015
Critical Analysis
King Leopold: Father of a Nation or Destroyer of a Civilization
As the cover of the book so astutely quotes, A story of greed, terror, and heroism in
Colonial Africa, Adam Hochschild sums up the entirety of his historical work of nonfiction,
King Leopolds Ghost, with just these ten simple words (Hawkins, 2014). Although Hochschild
was not alive during the era in which Leopold was forming his controversial state of the Congo,
he still captures all aspects of the reign of this monarch in a way that keeps the audience
grimacing at the dark details and willing to cheer when secrets are uncovered (Knope, 1987).
Having a bachelors degree in history and literature from Harvard University, Hochschild takes
facts from many resources, uncovering his views along the way. Following Hochschilds
common theme in his writings, issues of human rights and social justices are the pillars that hold
King Leopolds Ghost together (Chan, 2011). Leopold was a power driven man in constant
search of expanding his reign despite the consequences to others or the reconciliation to himself
if his deeds were unearthed for the public to see (Hanks). It seemed as if Leopold would stop at
no means to get the nation he desired and the wealth and good fortune he believed he deserved.
Hochschild paints the picture of Leopold II as a very troubled youth. He lived his life
always being barraged by his parents who always favored his siblings and were constantly
disappointed in young Leopold (Miller, 2014) He not only was constantly having to prove his
worth with his parents, but at a young age he was forced into a loveless marriage that would
haunt the rest of his life.

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Bibliography
Chan, J. (2011, October 27). History. Retrieved from Kings Are We:
http://kingsarewe.com
Hanks, I. (n.d.). What is a King? Kings Publication. Marshall Works Art Gallery,
Huntington.
Hawkins, T. (2014). History For Dummies. New York: Fake Press.
Knope, L. (1987). History, History, History. The Sun, 17-24.
Miller, K. (2014). Do You Know Leopold? Chicago: Fake Works Press.