King Leopold II

King Leopold II of Belgium's formative years and ascent to the throne are marked by significant events. He was born Prince Leopold Louis-Philippe Marie Victor in 1835 in Brussels, the son of King Leopold I of the Belgians and Queen Charlotte. He became King of the Belgians in 1831, having been presented as an alternative candidate by the British government. Leopold's childhood was characterized by feelings of resentment towards his parents, who favored his younger siblings, and he exhibited unruly behavior. Although he faced challenges in his academic pursuits, he developed a strong interest in politics and current affairs. King Leopold I actively sought to expand Belgian colonies worldwide, emphasizing the development of the railway network and ports to enhance international trade. His colonial ambitions led to explorations in regions such as Guatemala, China, Texas, Borneo, and various Pacific islands. King Leopold II's rise to power occurred during a period of political instability, influenced by France's attempts at annexation in response to Prussian expansion and the ambitions of Napoleon III. The tragic decline of Empress Charlotte followed the capture and execution of Maximilian. Leopold II's aspirations for colonial expansion were intertwined with his family connections, including negotiations with Spain regarding the Philippines and ventures in Africa and Vietnam. The personal lives of his family, such as Princess Stephanie's unhappy marriage and Rudolf's tragic demise, also played a role in this narrative. Leopold capitalized on a moral crusade to establish a Belgian colonial presence in Africa, using the suppression of the slave trade as a justification for colonization. He adeptly manipulated international committees to advance his colonial objectives, with Stanley navigating the Congo on behalf of Leopold's International Association.

Leopold aimed to create a Belgian dependency in the Congo Basin under the pretense of an International Association. French explorer Pierre de Brazza rejected Leopold's proposal before leading a French expedition into the Congo. In April 1884, Leopold obtained recognition from the United States. Portugal, with British backing, revived its previously dormant claim to the Congo to prevent French expansion in the region. Leopold directed Stanley to return to Africa to negotiate treaties with local chiefs for the transfer of their lands to the International Association of Congo. Under Leopold's rule, rapid industrialization occurred, significantly benefiting the Belgian economy through coal and iron exports, alongside the development of an extensive railway network. However, the conditions for the working class deteriorated, prompting the emergence of socialist parties and labor reforms. Leopold II undertook various construction projects in both Belgium and the Congo, financed by the exploitation of the Congo Free State. In Belgium, he invested in infrastructure, including a horse-racing track, while in the Congo, he constructed a railway to enhance local economies and facilitate the export of valuable resources to Europe. Leopold sought to assert control through antislavery initiatives and strategic political actions. His attempts to forcibly recruit porters led to a rebellion that he was compelled to suppress. He aimed to dominate the upper Nile and sought to integrate Equatoria into the Free State. Leopold encountered challenges with the British regarding the claim to Katanga province, which was also claimed by the British South Africa Company due to its copper mines. Expeditions led by Captain William Stairs and Lucien Bia were instrumental in securing Katanga for the Free State. Additionally, Leopold was involved in railway construction and secured concessions in China, obtaining financing for railway projects in 1898 and acquiring land in Hankou.

Leopold encountered significant difficulties during the Boxer Rebellion, which ultimately led to his loss of control and the sale of his interest in the railway. He proposed the annexation of Congo; however, he faced considerable opposition due to concerns regarding exploitation and human rights violations. Leopold envisioned the Congo as a Belgian colony, but his plans were met with resistance from both Liberals and isolationists. The global demand for rubber allowed the Congo's economy to remain viable, while Leopold secured loans, yet reports of atrocities contributed to a decline in his reputation. The publication of Casement's report and the establishment of the Congo Reform Association sparked a surge of domestic opposition to Leopold's governance of the Congo Free State. Casement released a pamphlet entitled The Truth about the Congo, which accused Britain of employing smear tactics to gain control over the region. The Congo Reform Association, founded in March 1904, sought to exert political pressure regarding the Congo situation. Despite widespread international condemnation, Belgium proceeded with the annexation of the Congo. Leopold initially aimed to retain authority over the 'Crown Foundation.' The annexation was ultimately approved in October 1908, resulting in the transformation of the Congo Free State into the Belgian Congo. Leopold II of Belgium is remembered for a controversial legacy. His administration of the Congo Free State was characterized by severe exploitation and a staggering death toll. Ongoing debates focus on Leopold's awareness of the atrocities, the implications for Belgian national security, and his overall historical legacy.