September 14

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza was born in 1852 in Italy and later served in the French navy. In the 1880s, he led expeditions into Central Africa, peacefully negotiating treaties with local chiefs. His efforts established French influence in the Congo and led to the founding of Brazzaville. Brazza advocated for humane treatment of indigenous peoples and opposed the brutal exploitation common among other colonial forces. He is remembered for his diplomatic approach to exploration.