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Leopold II, King of the Belgians, 19th century
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Leopold II, King of the Belgians, 19th century
Leopold II, King of the Belgians, 19th century. The brother of Empress Carlota of Mexico and cousin to Queen Victoria, Leopold II (1835-1909) was the second King of the Belgians. He is best remembered for founding the Congo Free State in 1885 with the intention of exploiting its rubber, ivory and mineral resources, ruling as its sovereign. The local population were subjected to brutal exploitation by their colonial rulers, resulting in atrocities and an estimated 5-15 million deaths. When news of the situation reached the outside world in 1905, there was an outcry, leading to international pressure forcing Leopold to transfer the administration of the Congo to the Belgian state
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Media ID 15137966
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
Belgian Congo Exploitation King Leopold Ii Of Belgium King Of The Belgians Leopold Ii Historica Graphica Collection
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the image of Leopold II, King of the Belgians, a significant figure in 19th-century history. Known for his royal lineage as the brother of Empress Carlota of Mexico and cousin to Queen Victoria, Leopold II (1835-1909) held the position as Belgium's second king. However, his legacy is marred by his controversial establishment of the Congo Free State in 1885. Leopold II aimed to exploit the vast resources found within this African territory, including rubber, ivory, and minerals. Tragically, this led to brutal exploitation and atrocities inflicted upon the local population by their colonial rulers. Shockingly high estimates suggest that between 5 to 15 million people lost their lives due to these oppressive practices. The international community became aware of these horrors in 1905 when news reached them about the situation in Congo. Outraged by such human suffering under Leopold's rule, global pressure mounted on him until he was compelled to transfer control over Congo's administration to Belgium. This lithograph offers a glimpse into an era marked by colonialism and its devastating consequences. It serves as a reminder not only of Leopold II's reign but also highlights humanity's capacity for both progress and cruelty during that period.
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