King Leopold II of Belgium

King Leopold II of Belgium, who reigned from 1865 to 1909, is infamously known for his brutal exploitation of the Congo Free State, which he personally owned. His regime was marked by extreme violence and atrocities against the Congolese people, leading to millions of deaths and the first use of the term 'crimes against humanity.' Leopold's legacy is one of colonial greed and inhumanity, overshadowing his achievements as a monarch. He is often remembered as one of history's most notorious figures, whose actions left a lasting impact on the region and a dark stain on Belgium's national history.