King Leopold II of Belgium

King Leopold II of Belgium reigned from 1865 to 1909 and is best known for his exploitation of the Congo Free State, which he personally controlled as a private venture from 1885 to 1908. Under his rule, the local population suffered severe abuses, including forced labor and violence, leading to millions of deaths. Leopold's regime aimed to extract rubber and other resources, driven by greed and economic interests. His actions sparked international outrage and eventually led to the Belgian government taking control of the Congo, reflecting a dark chapter in colonial history and highlighting the consequences of imperialism.