Chapters 4, 5, and 6 Summary and Analysis

Wooed by Leopold, Stanley agreed to enter into business dealings with the king. As Leopold's personal representative, Stanley returned to Africa and proceeded along the Congo River, establishing bases and concluding treaties between local chiefs. The treaties exchanged brightly-colored cloth for all mineral, animal and wealth rights; for the labor of the tribesmen, and for basic sovereignty over the chief's lands. The treaties were written in European languages and not explained to the African chiefs—though they granted Leopold everything in exchange for virtually nothing. Leopold adroitly maneuvered Stanley by equal parts remuneration and public praise. Stanley also began the process of collecting and transporting ivory—in the form of elephant tusks—from the interior to the coast. Ivory was in great demand throughout Europe, where it was used to make piano keys, billiard balls, false...