King Leopold II

Belgian king and colonial ruler

King Leopold II was the second king of the Belgians, ruling from 1865 to 1909. He is perhaps best known for his brutal colonial policies in the Congo Free State, where he oversaw the exploitation and brutal treatment of the local population. Leopold's regime was marked by widespread violence, forced labor, and mass murder. He was eventually forced to relinquish control of the Congo and was widely condemned for his ac...