Leopold III, King of the Belgians

Leopold III (1901-1983) reigned as King of the Belgians from 1934 until 1951, when he abdicated in favor of his son Baudoin.

Leopold was a controversial monarch. His handling of World War II and the German occupation of Belgium has been heavily scrutinized. Although Leopold saw to it that Belgium was prepared militarily for a German invasion, he did not make the most of the military aid Britain and France provided. Thus, after a period of intense fighting in May, 1940, Leopold surrendered to Germany. Many in his own cabinet feared that his actions might be in fact treason, particularly as he insisted upon staying within the country and in German custody. He eventually deported to German in 1944. After his liberation, he was to remain in exile for another six years. Leopold's return was met with a general strike in 1950. He abdicated the following year. His retirement was spent traveling the world.

Leopold III in Hitler's War
Leopold III was reluctant to enter into alliances with Britain and France in 1939, even as Germany had subdued Czechoslovakia and turned west. When Germany did invade Belgium, Leopold allowed Allied forces to enter. After three weeks of fighting, Leopold abruptly surrendered.

Many among the British and French believed that Leopold was pro-German. His slow response to German aggression, his country's brief three week fight, and his abrupt surrender was proof of this.