Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza and the Exploration of Central Africa – Part 3/4 – The Congo

In part 3 of our series, Brazza returns to Africa, where he will establish two outposts, including one on the Congo River. In the process, he will thwart many of the plans of King Leopold II of Belgium, who wants to make the entire Congo basin his own personal colony.

Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/

Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/ogowe5.png

People and Places

• Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa.
• Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore.
• Congo River - River in central Africa.
• Livingstone Falls - 220 mile stretch on the Congo filled with rapids and waterfalls. Impassable for most river craft.
• Malamine Camara - Senegalese marine who would be Brazza's most trusted and capable comrade.
• Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first and second expedition to Africa.
• Libreville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon.
• Francheville - Outpost established by Brazza at the confluence of the Ogowe and Passa rivers.
• Malebo Pool - aka the Pool and Stanley Pool. Lake located at the top of Livingstone Falls. Brazza would establish a post here, which would eventually become Brazzaville.
• Alima River - Tributary of the Congo. Controlled by the Bobangi people.
• Passa River - Tributary of the Ogowe. Location of Francheville.
• King Leopold II of Belgium - Monarch who wanted to take control of the Congo basin.
• Henry Morton Stanley - African explorer and journalist. Had crossed the continent and mapped the Congo River.
• International African Association - Organization established by King Leopold to help him gain control of central Africa.
• Makoko - Important Bateke chief who would sign treaty with Brazza.

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