King Leopold II of Belgium was the second king of Belgium, reigning from 1865 until his death in 1909. He is known for his controversial rule over the Congo Free State, which he personally owned as a private colony. Leopold was born into the Belgian royal family in 1835 and received a rigorous education in military and political affairs. He ascended to the throne at the age of 30 after the death of his father.
As king, Leopold was known for his extravagant lifestyle and love for luxury. He invested heavily in public works projects and urban development, transforming Brussels into a modern city. However, his most notorious legacy is his exploitation of the Congo Free State, which he acquired through deceitful treaties with local leaders.
Under Leopold's rule, the Congolese people were subjected to brutal forced labor and violence in order to extract rubber and ivory for export. Millions of Congolese died as a result of these atrocities, making Leopold one of history's most notorious colonial rulers.
Despite this dark legacy, Leopold was also a patron of the arts and sciences, supporting expeditions to Africa and sponsoring scientific research. He also played a significant role in establishing Belgium as an independent nation.
