"The Fox Crosses the Stream"

This chapter discusses and explores the man behind the history, Leopold II.

An important aspect of Belgium's colonization of the Congo is the history of the country itself and the man who planned the conquest. Belgium is a small country, once under outside rule itself many a time for several years. It became independent after revolts and placed a German Prince, Leopold I on the throne.
Leopold II lived a distant, reserved life fated with being the next ruled of the country. His parents had a loveless marriage like he himself would be fated to have for political reasons. Even "If Leopold wanted to see his father, he had to apply for an audience." Leopold never learned Flemish, the language of the majority of Belgians and was never exceptionally driven or bright.
His need to make Belgium into a rich, prosperous nation most likely originated from his failure in other aspects of life. In an attempt to prove himself worthy, Leopold focused on economic gain. Interestingly, unlike many other imperialist nations and rulers, according to the book, Leopold made his intentions very clear. This  source claims to disagree and Leopold's motives and appearance are debatable.
As in the title, Leopold is like a fox crossing a stream, as his father observed. He is timid and careful though purposeful. Leopold's colonization of Africa was just that. He began slowly by attempting to find suitable areas to colonize traveling to various parts of the world. He did not jump into the situation too hastily and worked to find an area he wouldn't need to buy but could simply take by force.
He used a veneer of philanthropy to achieve a good public standing so that few would question him. Leopold acted with prompted by his personal life and his desire for wealth and notoriety.
sources:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/336654/Leopold-II
http://www.nndb.com/people/036/000094751/









Questions

1. What is the significance of the title as it relates to Leopold's life and rule? Is it accurate?
2. How did Leopold's personal life affect him as a ruler?
3. What does Belgium's own history and culture perhaps foreshadow about its imperialism?
4. What is significant about Leopold's words "Petit pays, petits gens" (small country, small people) and view of Belgium as a ruler?
5. What is the significance of Leopold's Geographical Conference in 1876?