Henry Stanley was a Welsh-American explorer and journalist, best known for his expeditions in Africa during the late 19th century. He gained fame for his search for the missing Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, whose journeys in Africa had captured the world's attention. Stanley's famous greeting, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" marked their meeting in 1871. Stanley played a significant role in the exploration and colonization of Africa, particularly in the Congo River basin. He was commissioned by King Leopold II of Belgium to establish control over the region, leading to the founding of the Congo Free State. His work contributed to the European scramble for Africa, which had lasting impacts on the continent.