Colonization in Africa and Some Seriously Screwed Up People

Not to sound conceited, but reading King Leopold's Ghost hasn't significantly changed my point of view on colonial enterprises.  For quite a few years now, I have understood the seriousness of the atrocities committed by Western colonizers; however, Hochschild provided significantly more "evidence" of these horrors.

The psychological profile of many of these early explorers was especially interesting.  Despite the commonality of a troubled home life and often significant personal baggage, I still believe financial gains are the principal reason for the exploration and colonization of "uncharted" territories, like the Congo.  When you look at the individual explorer's personal lives, many were plagued by financial problems.  Exploring new potential colonies, like the Congo, gave them the opportunity to gain fame and fortune, or at least merely avoid their debts for a few years.

Furthermore, the potential for economic gain was the principle reason many, if not all, nations engaged in colonialism (despite the "philanthropic" ideals rulers like Leopold II of Belgium preached).  Even in the scramble for Africa, mercantilism was still a pervasive idea.  Like Leopold, sought colonies as an economic venture.  Not only could a colony provide a market for the dominant nation's goods, colonies like the Congo also provided nations with raw materials, precious metals and valuable commodities.

King Leopold's Ghost brings memories of current issues involving forced labor, human trafficking and unsafe working conditions.  As developing countries strive to compete with the "Western" world, these governments encourage the building of factories that can churn out products faster and cheaper than their competitors in already industrialized nations.  This leads to child labor, unsafe working conditions, brutality towards employees and environmental exploitation (i.e. for natural resources) and degradation.

Even though the age of colonialism is generally considered to be over, problems with inequality among nations reminiscent of colonialism remain pervasive.  Still, the industrialized nations continue to dominate "Third World" countries.  Although the current super powers lack official colonies, they continue to exploit developing countries in a very similar manner.