King Leopold II of Belgium, who reigned from 1865 to 1909, primarily viewed his empire through the lens of personal ambition and economic exploitation. He sought to establish Belgium as a colonial power, with the Congo Free State serving as his personal fiefdom, where he aimed to extract vast wealth from rubber and ivory. Leopold's frame of reference was heavily influenced by the prevailing imperialist ideologies of the time, emphasizing national pride and the belief in a civilizing mission, which often masked the brutal realities of colonial exploitation. His legacy is marked by both the economic gains for Belgium and the humanitarian atrocities committed in the Congo.
15 million
Philippe is the King for Belgium.
Leopold I was the first king of Belgium.
Albert II, King of the Belgians (not Belgium)
King Léopold I of Belgium was born on December 16, 1790.
King Leopold I of Belgium was born on December 16, 1790.
King Léopold I of Belgium was born on December 16, 1790.
King Leopold I of Belgium was born on December 16, 1790.
Belgium's King Philippe was born April 15, 1960
King Albert I of Belgium was born on April 8, 1875.
King Baudouin I of Belgium was born on September 7, 1930.
King Baudouin I of Belgium was born on September 7, 1930.