💰Leopold II Net worth and Salary
Leopold II, widely recognized as the King of Belgium, is believed to have an estimated net worth ranging between $100,000 to $1 million by the year 2023. Leopold II earned his wealth primarily through his influential position as the reigning monarch of Belgium. His reign, spanning from 1865 to 1909, witnessed significant economic growth and expansion in Belgium, contributing to his accumulated fortune. Despite controversies surrounding his rule, particularly concerning the exploitation of the Congo Free State, Leopold II left a lasting impact on Belgian history and his financial worth serves as a testament to his stature as a prominent figure in the country.
About
Second King of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909, and self-made autocratic ruler of the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908. He is commonly referred to as the Builder King due to the large number of buildings, urban projects and public works he commissioned. His administration of the Congo Free State was known for its brutality, including forced labor, kidnapping and the amputation of hands when the quota of rubber was not met. In 1908 the Belgian Government took over the administration, reconstituting the Congo Free State as the Belgian Congo.
In 1855, After serving in the military, he became a member of the Belgian Senate. He took the oath of office at age 30 when his father died in December 1865.
During his reign, workers were given the right to form labor unions. Free, secular, compulsory primary schools were also established and supported by the state. Child labor laws were passed, restricting anyone under the age of 12 from working. It was established that workers would get compensation for workplace accidents and that Sunday was a day off.
He was the second child of the reigning Belgian Monarch, Leopold I and his second wife, Louise. His mother died when he was 15 years old. His older brother, Louis Philippe, died the year before he was born so he grew up as heir to the throne. At 18, he married Marie Henriette of Austria, cousin of the Emperor of Austria and granddaughter to the late Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II. They had three daughters and one son, the last of which died of pneumonia at age nine. He was known to have many mistresses. He and his wife separated in 1895. His sister Charlotte became the Empress Carlota of Mexico.
Queen Victoria, the British Monarch at the time, was his first cousin.
