Leopold II of Belgium

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/leopold-ii-of-belgium

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Leopold II of Belgium born?April 9, 1835
2. When did Leopold II of Belgium die?December 17, 1909 (age 74)
3. Where was Leopold II of Belgium born?Brussels, Belgium
4. How long is Leopold II of Belgium?44 years (1865-1909), the longest of any Belgian monarch
5. What did Leopold II do to make Belgium a better country?He built many new buildings, parks, and roads, making cities like Brussels look grand.
6. Why did Leopold II want a colony in Africa?He believed a nation was stronger if it had colonies and wanted one for himself.

Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
Congo Free State: Leopold II's personal colony in Central Africa, notorious for its brutal exploitation and human rights abuses.
Crimes Against Humanity: Widespread or systematic attacks against a civilian population, such as murder, torture, or enslavement.