Leopold II of Belgium

Full Name: Léopold Louis Philippe Marie Victor
Profession: King of the Belgians

Nationality:

Biography: Leopold II was the King of Belgium from 1865—when he succeeded his father, Leopold I—until his death in 1909. He is perhaps best known for his role in establishing the Congo Free State as a private venture, resulting in widespread human rights abuses with enduring effects.

Leopold II initiated and oversaw the exploitation of the Congo Free State, ostensibly a mission to civilize and develop the African continent. His rule, however, soon led to forced labor, mutilation, and the deaths of millions of Congolese as the territory was brutally exploited for rubber, ivory, and other resources.

Reports of abuses in the Congo led to international outrage, with the administration being described by George Washington Williams as involving "crimes against humanity." As a result, the Belgian parliament was forced to assume control of the Congo in 1908, transforming it into the Belgian Congo.

Side-by-side with the legacy of his Congo venture, Leopold II was also responsible for significant urban projects within Belgium, particularly in Brussels. He is known as the "Builder King" (Koning-Bouwheer) the quantity of parks, public buildings, and avenues which he commissioned.

Born: April 9, 1835
Birthplace: Brussels, Belgium
Star Sign: Aries

Died: December 17, 1909 (aged 74)