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Leopold Ii / Belgium / Horne
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Leopold Ii / Belgium / Horne
LEOPOLD II King of the Belgians
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Media ID 582913
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10031484
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This striking photograph captures Leopold II, King of the Belgians, during a visit to the mining town of Horne in 1909. Born on December 9, 1835, Leopold became king in 1865 following the abdication of his father, Leopold I. His reign was marked by significant expansion of the Belgian colonial empire, particularly in Africa, where he pursued a policy of exploitation and extraction of natural resources. The image of Leopold II in Horne, a town in the Belgian province of Limburg, offers a contrast to his controversial colonial legacy. Here, he is depicted in a more familiar and approachable role as a monarch engaging with his subjects. The king is seen wearing a top hat and overcoat, and is surrounded by a group of well-dressed men, likely local officials or dignitaries. The mining industry was a significant part of the Belgian economy during Leopold II's reign, and Horne was a major center for coal production. The king's visit to the town was likely intended to show his support for the industry and to boost morale among the workers. Despite the positive optics of this photograph, Leopold II's rule was not without controversy. His pursuit of colonial expansion led to widespread exploitation of the native populations in the Congo, resulting in atrocities and the deaths of millions. The king's involvement in the Congo Free State, a private venture that was not officially part of the Belgian colonial empire, remains a dark chapter in Belgian history. This photograph, taken over a century ago, offers a glimpse into a moment in time when Leopold II was seen as a benevolent monarch, but it is important to remember the complex and often problematic legacy of his reign.
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