King Leopold II developed his dream of colonization from an early age. Even before ascending the throne he was in search of unconquered lands that could later come into his possession. The king wanted to enrich himself from his new land through trade. Once King Leopold II set his sights on the Congo, he would not give up until the land was his. He connived, manipulated and deceived his way into the country. He didn't care who got hurt; he just wanted his dream to come true. To realize his dream, King Leopold II wanted to make sure that no other country stood in his way. Belgium was a small country and Leopold knew that his country posed no threat to others. If he had started to conquer the Congo, other countries might have followed suit and surpassed him. To avoid this landmine, he “began to plan a step to assert his image as a philanthropist and advance his African ambitions: he would host a conference of explorers and geographers (42-43).” The king did not speak of the profits he intended to obtain, but of ending the slave trade and advancing scientifically. Guests were wooed with luxurious rooms, fine dinners and a convincing opening speech by King Leopold II. Before the departure of their hosts, they founded the International African Association. King Leopold II selflessly offered that the headquarters of the association be in Brussels. He was also elected president; his mandate would last one year. With the establishment of the International African Association, King Leopold II took a step forward. He managed to convince his potential competitors that his intentions in the Congo were completely altruistic. Although the International African Association met the following year, as per agreement, the… medium of paper… they put their trust in him and supported him; they unknowingly took part in a series of atrocious events; he manipulated them from the beginning. King Leopold II died in December 1909. The king was not mourned by many, as his reputation was demolished due to his actions in the Congo. His dream of a colony that would make him rich beyond his imagination came true at great cost. He spent many years trying to realize this dream; he came up with the idea before he was twenty and it didn't come to fruition until his fifties. King Leopold II could only see the good that came from colonization: trade, money, respect and self-fulfillment. He got countries to believe that what he was doing would benefit the Congolese. For his actions, King Leopold II will always be remembered as a spineless, greedy and cunning ruler who would stop at nothing to achieve his goal..