Imperial expansion and constrained local choices

British imperial expansion is interpreted here partly through the choices available to local populations facing rival imperial powers. Choosing Britain in that situation is described as choosing the least harmful available occupier, with an explicit warning that this is no endorsement of colonial rule. The Congo is then used as an example of abuses severe enough to embarrass other imperial powers. Opposition to those abuses is distinguished from principled opposition to empire itself: even supporters of imperialism could think the Congo made their own projects look bad. The discussion also mentions continuing disagreement over responsibility between Belgium's crown and elected government.