Final answer:
Leopold II claimed that he wanted to 'civilize' the natives of Africa and provide humanitarian aid, but his true motive was personal enrichment and exploitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leopold II claimed that his reason for wanting to control this part of Africa, known as the Congo Basin, was to 'civilize' the natives of Africa and provide humanitarian aid. However, his noble-sounding statements were lies, and he actually used his control over the Congo Free State to exploit and abuse African laborers in the pursuit of profit. His methods of coercion included raids, floggings, destruction of villages and fields, and murder and mutilation.