Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza vs Qin Shi Huang

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza led an expedition to explore the Congo River basin, traveling from the coast into the interior. He established friendly relations with local chiefs, particularly the Teke people, and claimed territories for France without resorting to military force.

De Brazza signed a treaty with King Makoko of the Teke people, establishing a French protectorate over the north bank of the Congo River. He founded the settlement of Brazzaville, which became the capital of French Congo. This was achieved without bloodshed, contrasting with Belgian King Leopold II's brutal methods.

De Brazza negotiated a treaty with King Makoko of the Teke people, granting France control over the territory that became the French Congo. The treaty was notable for being voluntary and non-coercive, a rare example of peaceful colonial expansion in Africa.

De Brazza was appointed Commissioner-General of the French Congo, overseeing the administration of the colony. He implemented policies that respected local customs and opposed the use of forced labor, but his humane approach was later undermined by concession companies that exploited the region.

De Brazza was sent by the French government to investigate reports of atrocities committed by concession companies in the French Congo. His report documented widespread abuses, including forced labor and violence. However, the French government suppressed the report, and de Brazza died shortly after returning.

Qin Shi Huang commissioned a vast mausoleum complex near Xi'an, guarded by thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots. The project employed hundreds of thousands of workers and reflected his obsession with immortality and imperial power.

From 230 to 221 BCE, Ying Zheng led the Qin state in a series of campaigns that conquered the Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi states. This unified China under a single ruler for the first time, ending the Warring States period.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the standardization of Chinese script, currency, and weights and measures across the unified empire. This facilitated administration, trade, and cultural integration, laying a foundation for future dynasties.

After conquering the last independent state, Ying Zheng declared himself Shi Huangdi (First Emperor), founding the Qin Dynasty. He adopted a new title to signify his supreme authority and initiated centralized imperial rule.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the connection and extension of existing northern fortifications to create a unified defensive wall against nomadic Xiongnu raids. This project involved massive conscripted labor and became the precursor to the later Great Wall.

On the advice of Li Si, Qin Shi Huang ordered the burning of historical records and philosophical texts not aligned with Legalist doctrine. He also had 460 Confucian scholars buried alive to suppress dissent and consolidate ideological control.