Leopold III (1901-1983) became king of the Belgians in 1934. His refusal to join the government-in-exile in World War II finally led to his abdication in 1951.

On Nov. 3, 1901, Leopold was born to Prince Albert and Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Bavaria. His father became king in 1909 and reigned until his accidental death in 1934. Leopold succeeded his father. On November 4, 1926, Leopold married Princess Astrid of Sweden. Three children were born of their union: Josephine Charlotte (1927), Baudouin (1930), and Albert (1934). Queen Astrid died in an automobile accident shortly after the beginning of her husband's reign.

Leopold's reign began under difficult circumstances. Belgium was confronted with high levels of unemployment and sharply declining levels of income. The Catholic-Liberal coalition governments that had governed since the Labor party had become the opposition in 1927 sought to maintain the gold standard for the Belgian franc and simultaneously to avoid a devaluation. In March 1935, Leopold called upon Paul...