King Leopold II

Real World Example

King Leopold II was the King of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909 and is most famously known for his brutal colonization of the Congo Free State in Africa. Under his rule, the Congo was exploited for its natural resources, such as rubber and ivory, leading to the suffering and death of millions of Congolese people. His actions exemplified the harsh realities of The New Imperialism, where European powers aggressively expanded their territories and exploited local populations. Today, his legacy serves as a reminder of the negative impacts of unchecked power and exploitation, influencing conversations about human rights and ethical leadership. For example, advocacy groups working to prevent modern-day exploitation in industries like mining often reference historical abuses like those in the Congo to push for fair labor practices and corporate responsibility.