Below are some additional facts about Sir Henry Morton Stanley:
Birth and Early Life:
- Henry Morton Stanley was born in Denbigh, Wales, United Kingdom.
- His father abandoned the family when Stanley was young, leading to a difficult childhood.
Name Change:
- At the age of 18, he emigrated to the United States and joined the Confederate Army during the American Civil War under the false name Henry Morton Stanley.
Journalism Career:
- After the war, he became a journalist and worked for several newspapers, including the New York Herald.
- He covered various conflicts, including the Abyssinian Expedition of 1867-68.
African Explorations:
- Stanley's most notable achievement was his successful expedition to find the Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1871. Upon finding Livingstone, he famously uttered the words "Dr. Livingstone, I presume."
- He continued to explore Africa and mapped vast areas of the continent.
Congo Exploration:
- Stanley played a significant role in the European colonization of Africa, particularly in the Congo region.
- He signed treaties with local leaders on behalf of King Leopold II of Belgium, leading to the establishment of the Congo Free State.
Controversies:
- Stanley faced criticism and controversy for his ruthless treatment of indigenous Africans during his expeditions. He was accused of using excessive force and causing the death of many African porters.
Knighthood:
- In recognition of his contributions, Stanley was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1899.
Political Career:
- Stanley entered politics and was elected as a member of Parliament (MP) for Lambeth North in 1895, but he resigned a year later.
Personal Life:
- Stanley married Dorothy Tennant, a Welsh artist and sister of the Conservative politician Edward Tennant, in 1890.
- They had one son, Denzil Stanley, who became a British soldier.
Death:
- Sir Henry Morton Stanley passed away on May 10, 1904, in London, England, at the age of 63.
Legacy:
- Stanley's explorations contributed significantly to European knowledge of Africa and paved the way for further colonization and exploitation of the continent.
- He is remembered as one of the most prominent figures in the history of exploration and African colonization during the 19th century.