Belgium, from the International Cards series (N238), issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This small chromolithograph titled "Belgium", part of the International Cards series, was created by Kinney Bros., a tobacco company, as a collectible insert. These cards reflect the expansionist and nationalistic fervor of the late 19th century, a period defined by imperial projects and emergent national identities. The card depicts Leopold II, the King of Belgium, framed by national symbols: the Belgian flag, the Order of Leopold, and heraldic lions. However, this patriotic imagery obscures the brutal realities of Leopold's reign over the Congo Free State. Under his authority, the Congo was exploited for its natural resources through forced labor, violence, and terror. The phrase "Union fait la force" (Unity makes strength) at the bottom seems a cruel irony when considered against the backdrop of colonial oppression. The card invites us to reflect on the complexities of national identity and the legacy of colonialism, and it serves as a reminder of the human cost of imperial ambition.