Events
Portuguese navigator Diogo Cao becomes first European to visit Congo; Portuguese establish ties with the KingLeopold announces establishment of Congo Free State headed by himselfBelgium annexes Congo due to protests over killings by Leopold's agents.Belgium loses control over CongoPeriods
Rise of the Kongo EmpireBritish, Dutch, Portuguese, and French merchants engage in slave trade among CongoBelgian King Leopold II sets up private venture to colonize CongoLeopold commissions British explorer Henry Stanley to establish king's authority in Congo
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