He led the first european efforts to develop the congo river basin Although he played a significant role in the development of the modern belgian state, he was also responsible for widespread atrocities committed under his rule against his colonial subjects. Leopold ii, king of the belgians and for a time the world’s largest landowner, died peacefully on the 44th anniversary of his coronation in december 1909 He is remembered for his large bequests to the nation and the graceful buildings he commissioned with his own money. The berlin conference recognised the independent state of the congo, of which leopold ii became the sovereign That same year, the belgian parliament authorizes the king to be the head of state of congo.
He was the brother of charlotte, empress of mexico and cousin to queen victoria. During his reign, leopold focused on strengthening belgium’s defences and expanding its economy, with a particular interest in acquiring colonies. Here is everything that you need to know about the life of leopold ii, the king of the belgians whose rule over the congo free state witnessed unimaginable horrors and sufferings. On february 5, 1885, belgian king leopold ii established the congo free state by brutally seizing the african landmass as his personal possession Rather than control the congo as a colony, as other european powers did throughout africa, leopold privately owned the region.
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