At the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, King Leopold of Belgium gained international support for his creation of the Congo Free State through proposals to end slavery in the Congo, protect the rights of the natives, and guarantee free trade. In the popular media he was often portrayed as a philanthropist who was selflessly devoting his efforts to rescue and "civilize" the peoples of central Africa. Five years later, a young writer, inspired to adventure by the celebrated travels of Henry M. Stanley and believing the glowing reports of Leopold's rule, got a job on a steamer headed up the Congo River. Joseph Conrad turned his Congo experiences into Heart of Darkness, published in 1899. During the next decade, Leopold's rule of the Congo would
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