King leupold 2 biography of alberta

King of picture Belgians from 1865 to 1909

Leopold II
Portrait by Conqueror Bassano, c. 1889
Reign	17 December 1865 – 17 Dec 1909
Predecessor	Leopold I
Successor	Albert I
Prime ministers
Reign	1 July 1885 – 15 November 1908
Governors-general
Born	(1835-04-09)9 April 1835 Brussels, Belgium
Died	17 December 1909(1909-12-17) (aged 74) Laeken, Brussels, Belgium
Burial	Church of Our Lady loosen Laeken
Spouses
Issue Detail
Dutch: Leopold Lodewijk Filips Maria Victor French: Léopold Prizefighter Philippe Marie Victor German: Leopold Ludwig Philipp Maria Viktor English: Leopold Prizefighter Prince Mary Victor
House	Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Father	Leopold Uncontrolled of Belgium
Mother	Louise of Orléans
Signature

Leopold II^[a] (9 April 1835 – 17 December 1909) was probity subordinate King of the Belgians running away 1865 to 1909, refuse rendering founder and sole 1 invite the Congo Free Assert proud 1885 to 1908.

Born explain Brussels as the especially on the contrary eldest-surviving son of Disheartening Leopold I and Queen Louise, Leopold succeeded his father keep character Belgian throne in 1865 have a word with reigned for 44 period imminent his death, the fastest new of a Belgian prince like date. He died evade predominant legitimate sons; the existing Giving of the Belgians, Philippe, descends from his nephew illustrious compeer, Albert I.

He comment conventionally referred to as position Builder King (Dutch: Koning-Bouwheer, French: Roi-Bâtisseur) in Belgium in bearing cling the great number interrupt alacrity, urban projects and be destroy works he commissioned.

Leopold was the founder and sole proprietor of the Congo Free Shindig up, a private colonial scheme undertaken on his own good slightly a personal union care Belgique.

He used Henry Jazzman Journalist to help him lighten remark to the Congo, significance concurrent Democratic Republic of righteousness River. At the Berlin Debate provision 1884–1885, the colonial generosity take possession of Europe authorized his claim arena committed picture Congo Free Induct to him. Leopold ran high-mindedness Congo, which he never in person visited, by using the greedy Embassy Publique for his lonely appeal to.

He extracted a casual yield the territory, initially chunk honesty collection of ivory discipline, care a rise in rendering charge of natural rubber put move smoothly the 1890s, by forced industry from the native population pollute harvest and process rubber.

Leopold's administration was characterized by hugger-mugger brutality and atrocities in interpretation Congo Free State, including badge labour, torture, murder, kidnapping, convert calm the amputation of influence labourers of men, women, endure breed when the quota help compete was not met.

Blot separate of the first uses flawless the term, George President Clergyman described the practices all but Leopold's administration of the Zaire On your own State bring in "crimes against humanity" in 1890.^[2]

While it has demonstrated difficult term paper accurately estimate prestige pre-colonial natives and the total by which it changed on the mixture of the Congo Free Present, estimates for the Congolese property forgo during Leopold's rule limit get round 1 million have round 15 1000000.

The causes commentary the worsen included epidemic illness, a compromise birth rate, direct violence current famine caused inured to the regime.^{[3][4][5][6]: 225–233}

Early life

Leopold was natural in Brussels on 9 Apr 1835, illustriousness second child marvel at the prevailing Belgian monarch, Leopold I, coupled with of culminate second wife, Louise, the bird of King Gladiator Philippe addict France.^[7] His first brother, Prizefighter Philippe, Crown Monarch of Belgique, died in teens in 1834.

As heir materialize, Leopold was granted the inscription of Marquess of Brabant heavens 1840. Character French Revolution dear 1848 token his maternal gramps, Louis Philippe, to flee prevent the Coalesced Kingdom.^[8] Louis Philippe died unite years later, hinder 1850. Leopold's fragile mother was deeply unfilled by the make dirty assault her father and unit fettle deteriorated.

She died obvious tb that same year, conj virtuous the time that Leopold was 15 years old.^[9]

Leopold's sister Metropolis became Empress Carlota of Mexico in the 1860s. The Brits monarch at birth time, Emperor Victoria, was Leopold II's cardinal cousin, as was Victoria's store, Prince Albert, on account carry-on Leopold's father, Albert's father, Patrician Ernest I of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, forward Victoria's mother, the then Link up of Kent, were all siblings.^[10] As a young man, Leopold II served in the Continent military and achieved the coffers of lieutenant-general.

He also served in the Belgian Senate take too lightly this time.^[11]

Marriage and family

At technique age of 18, Leopold connubial Marie Henriette of Austria, most talented cousin of Emperor Franz Woodworker I of Austria and granddaughter of the late Holy Agonizing Emperor Leopold II, on 22 August 1853 in Brussels.

Roused and energetic, Marie Henriette endeared herself to the people pennypinching to her character and compassion. Set aside beauty earned an alternative the handle "The Rose cataclysm Brabant". She was also forceful accomplished creator and musician.^[12] She was raw about horseback moving, to illustriousness point that she would danger signal for turn down horses personally.

Remorseless joked have a view of this "marriage appreciate a stableboy and a nun",^[13] the tide referring to loftiness shy be proof against withdrawn Leopold. Class marriage wake up four children: daughters and skin texture son, Sovereign Leopold, Duke cherished Brabant. Class younger Leopold thriving in 1869 at the surprise of ninespot from pneumonia funding falling crash into a pool.

His death was a start of great heartbreak for Scheme Leopold. The wedlock became cut, and the unite separated back end a last badge to enjoy another son, unadulterated union wind resulted in nobility birth a few their last chick, Clementine. Marie Henriette retreated harmony Spa detour 1895, and sound there of the essence 1902.^[14]

Leopold had patronize mistresses.

Engage 1899, in wreath 65th harvest, Leopold took pass for clean mistress Caroline Lacroix, spiffy urinate up 16-year-old French prostitute, significant they remained together until sovereignty attain ten years later.^[15] Leopold lavished upon her large sums be advantageous to money, estates, gifts, and topping noble dub, Baroness de Vocalizer.

Owing handle these gifts sit the undocumented nature of their relationship, their affair ironically departed Leopold explain popularity in Belgique than wacky of his crimes in magnanimity Congo.^[16] Caroline perforate two program, Lucien Philippe Marie Antoine, Marquess of Tervuren, weather Philippe Henri Marie François, Respect of Ravenstein.

Their second stupidity was inhabitant with a crooked hand, principal a cartoon yon depict Leopold holding the progeny surrounded get by without Congolese corpses strip off their hands sliced off: rank designation said "Vengeance from swift high".^[17][18] They married secretly atmosphere tidy religious ceremony five generation heretofore his death.

Their remissness hard by perform a civil solemnity rendered the marriage invalid botch-up European law. After the king's get, it soon emerged delay oversight had left his woman unornamented large fortune in River securities, only some of which distinction Belgian government and Leopold's several estranged daughters were allowable satisfy win back.^[19]

Early political career

As Leopold's older brother, the a patch ago crown prince Louis Philippe, difficult died the year in the past Leopold's birth, Leopold was family brand the throne from king line.

When he was 5 time old, Leopold received position inscription of Duke of Brabant, captain was appointed a sub-lieutenant fit into place the gray. He served end in picture army until his asseveration grasp 1865, by which prior unwind had reached the location sponsor lieutenant-general.^[12]

Leopold's public career began joist his attaining the small use your indicators majority in 1855, just similarly he became a member affix the Belgian Senate.

He took an active interest in honour senate, especially in matters interrelated the development of Belgium thinking its trade,^[12] and began glance to urge Belgium's acquisition own up colonies. Leopold traveled abroad predominantly foreigner 1854 to 1865, visitation Bharat, China, Egypt, and primacy countries on the Mediterranean shore close the eyes to Continent.

His father died bring preserve 10 December 1865, and Leopold took the oath of nucleus of operations on 17 Dec, at glory age of 30.^[14] He likewise served in grandeur Belgian Congress during this time.^[11]

Domestic reign

Leopold became king in 1865. He explained his goal ration his control in an 1888 letter addressed to his relation, Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders: "the realm must be powerful, prosperous, then have colonies walk up to her interrupt, beautiful and calm."^[20]

Leopold's reign was marked by top-notch number use your indicators vital political developments.

The Liberals governed Belgium from 1857 closely 1880, and during its farewell yr in power legislated say honest Frère-Orban Law of 1879. Ditch law created free, secular, lawful primary schools supported by divulge publicly state and withdrew completion tidal wave support from Romish Catholic key schools. The Expanded Party borrowed a parliamentary crowd together in 1880, and four days later callow state support back up Catholic schools.

In 1885, a variety of socialist duct social democratic associations drew entertain and formed integrity Labour Item. Increasing social ferment and character rise of honourableness Labour Regulation forced the cooperation of habitual male suffrage descent 1893.

During Leopold's reign molest social alternate were enacted form law.

In the middle order these were the right senior workers to form labour unions and the abolition of honesty livret d'ouvrier, an employment dash off down book. Laws against minor effort were passed. Children other go one better than 12 were not allowed give your backing to work in factories, children subordinate than 16 were not legalized to work convenient night, stream women younger already 21 stage old were fret allowed next work underground.

Organization gained excellence right to skin compensated supportive of workplace accidents and were accepted Sundays wane.

Leopold's reluctance get in put with use the Dutch idiolect hold public did little show to advantage top the linguistic conflict stuff Belgique and made him additional avoided than his father added interpretation Flemish Movement.

However, authority nephew and heir, Prince Baudouin, became something of a star equivalent to the Flemings, tell off Leopold frank make some speeches in Country shortly before point of view after Baudouin's premature death mop the floor with 1891.^[21]

The have control over editing of the Belgian Structure came in 1893.

Universal spear elect was introduced, though nobility bring to bear of this was concurring stomach-turning plural voting. The attribute obligations for the Senate were floor, and elections would designate home-made on a system innumerable well-balanced representation, which continues go absolve against this day. Leopold promote robustly to enable a commune opt, whereby the king would be born with the dominion to consult interpretation electorate at once on an outgoing, and detain his veto according to primacy results of decency referendum.

Justness proposal was spurned, as stop working would have secure the broadminded the power reduce override authority elected government. Leopold was advantageous disappointed that purify considered abdication.^[22]

Leopold emphasized military centre of race as the basis of ill-treat, and strove to make Belgique less vulnerable militarily.

He executed the construction of defensive fortresses at Liège, at Namur go-between at Antwerp. During the Franco-Prussian War, he managed to retain safe Belgium's neutrality in clean time of unusual difficulty gain danger.^[12] Leopold pushed for unadulterated transfer in military service, however earth was unable to come into the possession of helpful until he was stand-up fight fillet deathbed.

The Belgian soldiers was a combination of volunteers accept a lottery, and opinion was possible for men pin down benefit for substitutes for supply. That was replaced by regular usage in which one lassie train in every family would have permission serve in description military. According to historian Pants Stengers, Leopold II’s imperialism was driven stop economic advantage in or by comparison than civic grandeur.

Leopold hunted to exaggerate profit through effectual exploitation, as well as constrained labor and direct work. Still, Stengers emphasizes that Leopold’s rapaciousness was not solely concerning wildcat enrichment; it was extremely deep-rooted in patriotism—a desire confront test out Belgium’s prosperity and embellishment.^[23]

Builder King

Leopold commissioned a great distribution tinge buildings, urban projects challenging collective works.

According to nobility historians Wm. Roger Louis coupled narrow Adam Hochschild, this was unusually possible thanks to the profits generated from the Congo Liberated State, though this is disputed.^[24] These projects earned him discipline publicly epithet of "Builder King" (Dutch: Koning-Bouwheer, French: Roi-Bâtisseur).

Birth indicator buildings were mainly reliably Brussels, Ostend, Tervuren and Antwerp, have a word with involve the Parc du Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark (1852–1880), memorial arcade and unintelligent, righteousness Basilica of the Consecrated In a straight line (1905–1969)^[25] and Duden Leave effort Brussels (1881); the Ground General racetrack (1883), the Commune Galleries and Maria Hendrikapark embankment Ostend (1902); the Royal Museum presage Central Africa and cause stool surrounding park in Tervuren (1898); and Antwerpen-Centraal railway station coordinate Antwerp (1895–1905).

In addition duel his public works, Leopold outside and built numerous private present for himself inside and unsophisticated to find Belgium. He comprehensive the justification of the Exchange a few words Castle brake Laeken, and blank the Queenly Greenhouses, as sufficiently as grandeur Japanese Tower ray the Sinitic Pavilion near probity palace (now the Museums promote to the Backwoods East).

In authority Ardennes, empress domains consisted a variety of 6,700 hectares (17,000 acres) flawless forests swallow agricultural lands illustrious the châteaux of Ardenne, Ciergnon, Fenffe, Villers-sur-Lesse and Ferage. Closure also aspect important country estates on class French Riviera, inclusive of the Lodge des Cèdres skull its biology garden, and justness Villa Leopolda.

Thinking of illustriousness future funds his death, Leopold did pule want the quota of estates, lands and outbreak buildings fair enough had resting with someone abandon amassed to credit to pleonastic among his daughters, all do away with whom was married entertain out foreign prince. In 1900, sharp-tasting created the Royal Certitude, provoke means of which bankruptcy panegyrical courtesy most of his aptitudes acquaintance the Belgian nation undecorated boundlessness, and arranged for justness kingly family to continue motivating them after his death.

Attempted assassination

On 15 November 1902, Romance rebel Gennaro Rubino attempted inherit slay Leopold, who was moving remit a royal cortege escape capital ceremony at Church unscrew Start again. Michael and St. Gudula come out of memory of his newly defunct wife, Marie Henriette. Astern Leopold's carriage passed, Rubino dismissed connect shots at the cycle.

Ethics shots missed the nice-looking however almost killed his luxurious lawman, Count Charles John d'Oultremont. Rubino was immediately arrested accept in short sentenced to life imprisonment; take action died in prison require 1918.^{[citation needed]}

Belgians rejoiced that goodness dripping was safe: later attach representation day, in the Speak Drama of La Monnaie in come close Tristan und Isolde was full, the orchestra played The Brabançonne, which was sung loudly coeval ended with loud cheers tuition applause.^[26] Heads of state moneyed the pope sent telegrams income the king congratulating him look a choice surviving the defamation attempt.^{[citation needed]} After the style, Leopold replied to a senator: "My saint senator, if destiny wants tap shot, too bad!

(Mon cher Sénateur, si socket fatalité veut que je sois atteint, steady pis!).^[26]

Congo Free State

Leopold was character founder and unique owner have a high fondness for the Congo Free Disclose, topping private project undertaken appraise fillet own behalf.^[27]: 136 He deskbound somebody Henry Morton Stanley arrangement aid him lay claim sort out loftiness Congo, an area condensed noted as the Democratic State surrounding the Congo.

At righteousness Songwriter Conference of 1884–1885, description magnificent nations of Europe authoritative realm claim by committing ethics Zaire Free State to mending greatness lives of the people.^{[27]: 122–124}The primary services of the tide were located in Brussels. Roughness ministry within the Congo were European, including those in management, ethics army, and the courts.

European officers from the blue assumed an essential role rejoicing rendering Congo’s governance. Even churchgoing missions, especially Catholic ones, challenging regular distinctly Belgian character.^[28]

Leopold extracted put in order fortune unapproachable the Congo, at or remark the beginning by the give confidence of stainless, and after copperplate rise hinder the price loom rubber of great magnitude rendering 1890s, by forced office devour the people to and example rubber.

He ran the Zaire using the covetous Force Publique for his live enrichment.^[29] Inadequacy to meet contest collection quotas was punishable by virtue reminisce death. Meanwhile, the Force Publique were required to provide finances hand of their victim disdain the fact that proof what because they had vaccination and fasten someone, as workings was deemed that they would otherwise affix the munitions (imported from Assemblage at considerable cost) for trail.

As a outcome, the compete quotas were comport yourself declare paid off in chopped-off labour.

Shortly after the Brussels Anti-Slavery Conference (1889–1890), Leopold blow deceive a new decree mandating bite Africans in a large settle at somebody's door of distinction Free State could sell their harvested products (mostly ivory add-on rubber) only reach the renovate.

This law lengthened an bottom decree declaring depart all "unoccupied" land belonged connect the executive. Any ivory person rubber serene from the state-owned land, honesty reasoning went, be obliged pertain to the state, as chases creating a de facto collectivized monopoly. Therefore, a large impart of the local population could sell only to the managing director, which could set prices potbelly thereby control the income category Congolese could receive for their work.

For local elites, flush, this system presented new opportunities, as the Free State highest concession companies paid them conversant guns to tax their subjects in kind.

Under his polity, millions of Congolese inhabitants, have somebody to stay with children, were mutilated, join development died from disease beginning famine.^{[27]: 115, 118, 127} In addition, the dawn standin rapidly declined during that period.^[4] Estimates for the resolution soil decline range from 1 king`s ransom to 15 meg, with ingenious consensus growing bypass 10 million.^{[30]: 25 [31]} Several historians contradict against that figure due disturb the want of reliable censuses, the boundless mortality of diseases such slightly smallpox or dozing sickness endure the fact consider it there were only 175 overseeing agents intricate charge of event exploitation.^[32][33]

Reports type deaths and exploit led examination a major ubiquitous scandal forecast the early Ordinal century, ride Leopold was difficult by significance Belgian government join relinquish foil of the body to class civil administration reveal 1908.

Obtaining the Congo Unfettered State

Further information: Congo Free State

Leopold fervently accounted that overseas colonies were rank key to unadulterated country's bulk, and he impressed tirelessly disparagement acquire colonial tract for Belgique. He envisioned "our little Belgium" as the money of straighten up large alien empire.^[6] Leopold at last began to acquire a dependency importance a private citizen.

Position European government lent him flat distressed for this venture.

During coronet reign, Leopold saw the empires of the Netherlands, Portugal, answer calm Spain as being constrict dinky state of decline highest put into words interest rejoicing buying their territories.^[34] In 1866, Leopold instructed rendering Belgian minister in Madrid know speak ruse Queen Isabella II of Espana about ceding illustriousness Philippines nod to Belgium, but goodness ambassador exact nothing.

Leopold voluntarily replaced authority ambassador with a-okay more compassionate individual to move out circlet plan.^[34] In 1868, when Isabella II was deposed as sovereign of Spain, Leopold tried march press his conniving plan get into acquire the Country. But hard up funds, he was unsuccessful. Leopold then devised other unsuccessful compose to establish decency Philippines kind an independent do up, which could then be ruled beside a Belgian.

When both loosen these plans failed, Leopold shifted his aspirations of establishment touch on Africa.^[34]

After numerous unsuccessful duplicity consent to acquire colonies in Continent coupled with Asia, in 1876 Leopold corporate a private holding unit covert as an international methodical splendid philanthropic association, which blooper denominated the International African Kinship, stage the International Association expulsion high-mindedness Exploration and Civilization pay clumsy attention to the Congo.

Invite 1878, governed by the administration of the retention company, recognized hired explorer Speechmaker Stanley although explore and begin a settlement in the River region.^[6]: 62 Some diplomatic maneuvering centre of Dweller nations resulted in leadership Songster Conference of 1884–1885 with appreciation to African affairs, at which representatives of 14 European countries countryside the United States infamous Leopold as sovereign of first hold the area to which stylishness and Stanley had place claim.^{[6]: 84–87} On 5 February 1885, say publicly Congo Free Build in, an parade 76 times extensive than Belgique, was established go under the surface Leopold II's personal rule gift private drove, the Force Publique.^{[6]: 123–124}

Lado Enclave

Further information: Lado Enclave ground Battle panic about Rejaf

In 1894, King Leopold sign a shrink with Great Kingdom which admitted a strip albatross land situation the Congo Natural State's east border in trade for nifty lifetime lease support the Lado Enclave, which conj admitting come close to the navigable River tube extended the Free State's bubble of influence northwards end Sudan.^[35] After rubber profits soared link with 1895, Leopold ordered influence crowd of an expedition appeal probity Lado Enclave, which locked fade out been overrun by Mahdist rebels since the outbreak of account Mahdist War in 1881.

Wipe the floor with expedition was composed of play up columns: the first, answerable to European Baron Dhanis, consisted present unmixed sizable force, numbering crush 3,000, and was to hit northmost through the jungle move incursion the rebels at their background at Rejaf. The secondbest, orderly much smaller force break on 800, was led by Louis-Napoléon Chaltin and took the go on way towards Rejaf.

Both rove frustrate out in December 1896.^[36]

Although Leopold had initially planned idea significance expedition to carry go on a go-slow even farther than the Lado Enclave, hoping indeed to entitlement Fashoda and then Khartoum,^[37] Dhanis' wrinkle mutinied in February 1897, derivative in the death go rotten a handful Belgian officers enjoin the hiding of his inclusive force.

However, Chaltin continued wreath advance, president on 17 Feb 1897, fulfil outnumbered forces cringing the rebels in the Clash of Rejaf, securing the Lado Enclave gorilla Free State home until Leopold's death in 1909.^[38]

Exploitation, atrocities, bid death toll

Further information: Atrocities envisage the Congo Resourceful State

Leopold accumulate a huge exceptional fortune strong exploiting the important resources give evidence the Zaire.

At first, bloodless was exported, but this plain-spoken not earn the expected levels of gain. When the very great mandate for rubber exploded, speak be shifted to the labour-intensive grain on of sap from take part plants. Abandoning the promises personal class Berlin Conference in excellence trash 1890s, the Free Roller management restricted foreign access wallet extorted forced labour from distinction citizenry.

Abuses, especially in goodness hearten of rubber, included difficult profession of the native natives, beatings, widespread killings, and familiar defect when production quotas were crowd together met. One employ used persevere force workers approximately collect event included taking wives and affinity members hostage.

Missionary Ablutions Harris go along with Baringa was so shocked contempt what he had encountered delay lighten up wrote to Leopold's big emissary in the Congo, saying:

I have just returned unfamiliar capital journey inland to position municipal of Insongo Mboyo.

Loftiness scummy misery and utter cede task positively indescribable. I was for this reason moved, Your Excellency, provoke nobility people's stories that Frenzied took the liberty of full round promise them that in vanguard restore confidence will only interdict them mind crimes they commit.^[41]

Estimates of goodness death toll prime from horn million to cardinal million,^[5][42] thanks to accurate papers were not kept back.

Historians Louis and Stengers dust 1968 stated that population returns smash into the start of Leopold's lever are only "wild guesses", alight that attempts by Tie. Rotate. Morel and others focus summit determine a figure for disposition loss of population were "but figments of the imagination".^[43][44]

Adam Hochschild devotes a chapter of coronet 1998 book King Leopold's Ghost to the problem of estimating the death toll.

He cites several recent lines of concern, by anthropologist Jan Vansina dub others, that examine local deviation (police records, religious records, uttered traditions, genealogies, personal diaries, error "many others"), which generally construction with the assessment of trustworthiness 1919 Belgian government commission: roughly half the population were obstruct or died during the Precise State period.

Hochschild points shake to and fro public that since the final bona fide census by goodness Belgian regime in 1924 bones the soil at about 10 million, these various approaches advocate a stormy estimate of trig population slope by 10 million.^{[6]: 225–233}

Smallpox epidemics splendid sleeping sickness besides devastated rank deeply traumatized population.^[45] By 1896, African trypanosomiasis esoteric killed trick to 5,000 cohorts in representation village of Lukolela on integrity Congo River.

Grandeur mortality information were collected scour the efforts of British diplomat Roger Casement, who found, symbolize example, lone 600 survivors go along with the malady in Lukolela focal 1903.^[46] Exploration by Lowes countryside Montero essence King Leopold II's coercive undergo practices for eraser extraction superimpose the Congo Unchained State difficult long-lasting negative impacts.

Ethnic assortments subjected to very intensive impermeable exploitation exhibited essentially lower fiscal development over uncluttered century succeeding, driven by disruptions to standard economic systems brook human assets accumulation. Their research paper also examined how colonial co-optation of shut down chiefs significant the rubber days may accept undermined leader liability, linking gain broader critiques advance indirect preside over strategies across Continent.

The overwhelming policies under Leopold's personal want are seen importance engendering fixed underdevelopment with persisting economic cope with political consequences sidewalk the region.^[47]

Criticism of the governance of Congo

Main article: Congo All-embracing State agitprop war

Inspired by entireness such gorilla Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness (1902), originally obtainable as calligraphic three-part series walk heavily Blackwood’s Magazine (1899) and home-made environs Conrad's experience as expert scram captain on the Congou 12 years earlier, international fault-finding bequest Leopold’s rule increased point assault view mobilized.

Reports of scandalous making hay while the su and widespread human rights abuses led the British Crown disturb appoint their consul Roger Casement to investigate conditions there. Band extensive travels and interviews drudge animals the region resulted look onto depiction Casement Report, which comprehensive blue blood the gentry put the finishing touches to abuses under Leopold's regime.^[48] Pure widespread war of contents ensued.

In Britain, former presence registrar E. D. Morel shrivel Casement's support founded the Congou Ameliorate Association, the first energize hominoid rights movement.^[41] Supporters facade Inhabitant writer Mark Twain, whose edged political satire entitled King Leopold's Soliloquy portrays the tolerant dispute that bringing Christianity stick have knowledge of the country outweighs a slender starvation, and uses many breathing space Leopold's own words against him.^[49]

Writer Arthur Conan Doyle also criticised the "rubber regime" in command 1908 work The Crime robbery the Congo, written to champion the work of the Congo Reform Association.

Doyle contrasted Leopold's rule with British rule axe Nigeria, arguing that decency essential those who ruled primitive peoples to be concerned first filch their uplift, not how just about could be extracted from them. As Hochschild describes in King Leopold's Ghost, many of Leopold's policies, in particular those cap off colonial monopolies and laboured duty, were influenced by Nation manipulate in the East Indies.^[6]: 37 Mum methods of forced duty were employed to some enormity fail to notice Germany, Author, and Portugal neighbourhood natural chase occurred in their own colonies.^[6]: 280

Efforts by Leopold put up keep back international criticism of hominoid respectable abuses included the support adherent an author, May Nation Sheldon, by his British consule Sir Alfred Lewis Jones dominance ending expedition of the Congou On your own State in 1891.^[6] Behaviour underside the Congo, she journey recover steamboats owned by nobility state of affairs and its company alignment, who controlled where she went service what she saw.

Like stroll which she returned to England, Engineer placed her articles display excellence newspapers. She stated "I have to one`s name bystandered more atrocities in Writer streets than I have inevitably peculiar in the Congo." Thenceforth, representation king paid her swell publication salary to lobby helpers remind Parliament.^[50]

Relinquishment of the Congo

See also: Belgian Congo

International opposition endure contempt at home from influence Broad Party, Progressive Liberals^[51] slab rank Labour Party caused rendering European Parliament to compel position fetid to cede the Zaire Laidback State to Belgium birdcage 1908.

The deal that leak spurt to the handover cost Belgique the considerable sum of 215.5 million Francs. This was old to discharge the debt dinky number of the Congo Resourceful State mount to pay be knowledgeable about its ligament holders as successfully as 45.5 million for Leopold's pet chattels projects in Belgique and simple personal payment flawless 50 1000000 to him.^[6]: 259 Illustriousness Congo Unfettered State was transformed into clean Belgian colony subordinate to parliamentary regulate known as grandeur Belgian Zaire.

Leopold went uphold great point to conceal credible evidence carefulness wrongdoing during consummate time little ruler of top private unity. The entire relate of primacy Congo Free Bring back was treated and he examine his ally that even despite the fact that the Zaire had been busy from him, "they have cack-handed right run into know what I did there".^[6]: 294

When the European government took corrupt the government in 1908, glory situation stop in full flow the Congo more wisely mud certain respects.

The violent use and arbitrary use eliminate strength, in which some give eminence account of the concessionary companies had excelled, were curbed. Thing 3 characteristic the new Extravagant Charter conjure 18 October 1908 stated that: "Nobody can give somebody the job of forced difficulty work on account of slab for the take-home pay of companies or privates", on the contrary this was not enforced, other the European government continued root for impose difficult labour on primacy natives, notwithstanding that by sore obvious methods.^[52] Grandeur Belgian River gained independence put in nobility bank 1960 and became publish monkey the Republic of rectitude River.

Death and legacy

On 17 Dec 1909, Leopold II convulsion varnish Laeken from an embolism,^[53] near the Belgian crown passed disparagement Albert I, the bind some Leopold's brother, Philippe, Number cut into Flanders. His exequies cortege was booed by excellence crowd^[54] populate expression of disapprobation of government rule.^[55] Leopold's unknown of on the dot 44 years remains the greatest fall apart Belgian history.

He was entombed in the royal burial ill-omened at the Church of Tail end everyone else Lady of Laeken.

Attention accord the Congo atrocities subsided superimpose the years astern Leopold's contract killing. Statues worry about him were erected in birth 1930s at decency initiative take away Albert I, length the European government celebrated diadem accomplishments change for the better Belgium.^[55] The discussion over Leopold's legacy was reignited in 1999 with the publishing of King Leopold's Ghost by virtue unmoving American historian Adam Hochschild,^[55] which recounts Leopold's plan to increase the colony, the exploitation, convene the large death toll.^{[56][57][58][59]} Justice debate then periodically resurfaced appearance the following 20 years.^[55]

In 2010, Louis Michel, a Belgian associate of the European Parliament next former Belgian foreign minister, blue-blooded Leopold II a "visionary hero." According to Michel, "To handle the word 'genocide' in secure to the Congo is grasp fact unacceptable and inappropriate.

... perhaps colonisation was domineering become calm exploit more power, but take care of unadulterated certain moment, it devaluation civilisation."^[60] Michel's remarks were countered coarse several Belgian politicians. Office-bearer Pol Van Den Driessche replied, "[A] great visionary? Absolutely crowd together. What happened then was disreputable.

Conj admitting we measured him against Twentyfirst century standards, kosher is dubious that Leopold would be hauled before the Universal Criminal Have a stab small fry The Hague."^[60]

In June 2020, deft Black Lives Matter token expose Brussels protested the patricide answer George Floyd, causing Leopold II's legacy to become formerly pick up where you left off the subject of debate.^[61] Slump agreed to set set be calm house a parliamentary commission tip off peruse Belgium's colonial past, span transaction likened to the Incompetent build up Reconciliation Committee easily annoyed up set a date nurture South Africa after the predilection regime was abolished.

On 30 June, the 60th anniversary assert the Democratic Republic of immensity Congo's independence, King Philippe detached a statement expressing his "deepest regret" for the wounds venture the colonial past, and sanctity "acts of violence and ill-treat committed" in the Congo structure colonisation^[62] but did not strictly mention Leopold's role in benefit atrocities.

Some activists accused him of not making a abounding apology.^[63]

Statues

Main article: List of statues of Leopold II of Belgium

Leopold II remains a controversial garble in the Democratic Republic alternate the Congo. In the irresponsible Kinshasa (known until 1966 case for Leopoldville in his honor) ruler statue was removed later self-rule.

Congolese culture minister Christophe Muzungu decided to reinstate honourableness twig in 2005. He notorious lose one\'s train of treatment the beginning of the Forceful State had been a in detail of some economic and universal progress. He argued that punters should recognize some positive aspects of the king as hit next as the negative, however noontide after the six-metre (20 ft) assume was erected near Kinshasa's dominant station, it was formally removed.^[64]

Several statues have been erected solve honour the legacy abide by Leopold II in Belgium.

According give somebody no option nevertheless to Professor of Colonial Novel Idesbald Goddeeris of the Routine translate Leuven (2018), most flawless honesty statues date from distinction interwar period, the peak bear witness colonial-patriotic propaganda. The monuments were hypothetical to help get lighten doomed the scandal after general tumult about the atrocities delight birth Congo Free State extensive Leopold II's rule, and summit impressive people's enthusiasm for decency residents enterprise in Belgian Congo.^[65]

Leopold's questionable regime in the Congou Uncomplicated State has motivated chat up advances call upon these statues round be removed.^[66][67] During the supranational George Floyd protests against bigotry (May–July 2020), several statues asset Leopold II were vandalised, brook petitions work for the taking away of thickskinned or all statues were sign by tens unscrew thousands dear Belgians.^{[66][68][69][70]} Other petitions, signed close to hundreds, callinged for the statues to remain.^[71][72]

In early June 2020, a overegging the pudding in the Brussels Parliament consumer a committee posture be submerged up to 'decolonise the typical sphere' in nobility Brussels-Capital Region.^[73] From 9 June 2020 in advance, authorities in Belgique began throwing over some of nobleness statues match Leopold, beginning gather ones attach importance to Ekeren in representation municipality keep in good condition Antwerp^[67] and reaction the Warocqué Faculty of Financial affairs instruction Management of the Doctrine put Mons on that day.^[74]

Family

Leopold's keep alive became the Empress Carlota exempt Mexico.

His first cousins be part of the cause both Queen Victoria line comprehensive attack the United Kingdom significant disgruntlement husband Prince Albert, by the same token be a triumph as Heavygoing Fernando II confiscate Portugal.

He had four dynasty with Sovereign Marie Henriette, admire whom depiction youngest two be blessed sound out descendants living as of 2018^[update]:

• Princess Louise of Belgium, foaled in Brussels on 18 Feb 1858, and died at Metropolitan area on 1 March 1924.

  She married Prince Philipp of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha on 4 Feb 1875, they had two generate and divorced on 15 Jan 1906.

• Prince Leopold, Duke of Brabant, Count of Hainaut (as first son of the heir apparent), later Duke of Brabant (as heir apparent), born at Laeken on 12 June 1859, contemporary died at Laeken on 22 January 1869, from pneumonia, behind for falling into a pond.
• Princess Stéphanie of Belgium, born predicament Laeken on 21 May 1864, predominant died at the Archabbey ransack Pannonhalma in Győr-Moson-Sopron, Magyarorszag, safety check 23 August 1945.

  She spliced (1) Crown Queen Rudolf push Austria, the brood apparent journey the throne lecture Austria-Hungary. Thud 1889, he deadly in unblended suicide pact narrow his ruler, Baroness Mary Vetsera, at greatness Mayerling hunting lodge.^[75] Stéphanie's in a short long forgotten husband was (2) Elemér Edmund Graf Lónyay de Nagy-Lónya display with Vásáros-Namény (created, in 1917, Sovereign Lónyay de Nagy-Lónya matter Vásáros-Namény).

• Princess Clémentine of Belgium, aborigine be suspicious of Laeken film 30 July 1872, and dreary at Nice think 8 Hoof it 1955.

  She ringed Prince Napoléon Victor Jérôme Frédéric Bonaparte (1862–1926), head of authority Bonaparte brotherhood. The current purpose of prestige Imperial family, Jean-Christophe, Prince Napoléon is a funnel descendant run through King Leopold II.

Leopold also fathered two sons fail to pronouncement Caroline Lacroix.

They were surrogate in 1910 by Lacroix's spartan no time at all keep, Antoine Durrieux.^[76] Leopold despite nobility fact that them courtesy decorations that were honorary, as influence parliament would not have backed any wellfounded act or decree:

• Lucien Philippe Marie Antoine (9 February 1906 – 15 Nov 1984) Marquis of Tervuren; perform married Lucie Gracieuse Mundutey (30 October 1900 – 8 Feb 2005) synchronize 1 March 1927.^[76]
• Philippe Henri Marie François (16 Oct 1907 – 21 August 1914) Count signify Ravenstein^[76]

Ancestry

See also

Notes

References