Question

do i still need to tell you that i am not guided by selfish motives? no, gentlemen, although belgium is small, it is happy and content with its fate. i have no ambition other than to serve it. in this century, our civilized society imparts unprecedented values to barbarian communities in other parts of the world.

Answer 1

Belgium had colonial ambitions in the Congo Basin of Central Africa, claiming to "civilize" the natives and provide humanitarian aid. However, economic gain through the exploitation of resources was also a motive.

This question is about the motives behind Belgium's colonial ambitions. In the late 19th century, Belgium's King Leopold II had ambitions to establish an empire in the Congo Basin of Central Africa. He claimed that the goal was to "civilize" the natives and provide humanitarian aid.

However, it is important to note that these motives were not entirely selfless. The region was rich in resources like ivory and rubber, and Belgium wanted to acquire and exploit these resources for economic gain.