The Congo Free State at the Belgian World Fairs: organisation and actors of colonial propaganda

For several years, historians have been interested in world fairs and colonial exhibitions. These are exceptional sources for the history of mentalities. This article focuses on the organisers of the Congolese sections in the Antwerp (1885 and 1894), Tervueren (1897) and Liege (1905) world fairs and contextualises them within the framework of a growing 'colonial party' in Belgium. The first world fair in Antwerp in 1885 was quickly prepared by geographers and businessmen, discretely helped by some collaborators of Leopold II. The Congo Free State took a more central part in the organisation of the two following fairs. Although business circles were still instrumental in Antwerp 1894, several high officials of the Congo Free State headed the organisation. Tervueren 1897 confirmed this tendency: political and military functionaries of the Free State outnumbered the merchants. Leopold II guided the organisation himself in preparation of the foundation at Tervuren of a museum dedicated to the Congo. As all actors linked to or interested in the Congo were present at these three first fairs, their importance to the colonial circles in Belgian society is evident. The colonial section at the Liege fair of 1905 was modest and did not involve the king or officials of the Congo Free State. The context had changed. The king had lost his interest in the world fair once his Congo museum had been established. All over Belgium energy was focused on the 75th anniversary jubilee of the Belgian revolution. Moreover, the critique on Leopold's Free State had steadily mounted, precluding a 'business as usual' celebration of the Congo.