Berlin Conference was a meeting of 14 European countries and the United States that took place in Berlin, Germany, from November 1884 to February 1885. Main purpose of the conference was to regulate the colonization and trade of Africa among the European powers. Conference was also known as the Congo Conference or the West Africa Conference.

Conference

Berlin Conference was initiated by Portugal, which wanted to secure its claims to the Congo River basin. However, other European countries, such as Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium, also had interests and ambitions in Africa. The conference was convened by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who wanted to establish Germany as a colonial power and prevent conflicts among the European rivals.

Berlin Conference resulted in the General Act of the Berlin Conference, which laid down the rules and principles for the partition of Africa. The main points of the General Act were:

Principle of effective occupation, which stated that a country had to demonstrate its presence and authority in a territory in order to claim it as a colony.

Principle of free trade, which stated that all countries had equal access to trade and navigation in the Congo and Niger basins and along the east coast of Africa.

Principle of humanitarianism, which stated that the countries had to protect the welfare and rights of the native populations and suppress the slave trade.

Principle of neutrality, which stated that the Congo basin was to be a neutral zone, free from any military or political interference.

What happened after the Berlin Conference?


Berlin Conference set the stage for the "Scramble for Africa," a period of intense competition between European powers to colonize the continent. This led to the rapid establishment of colonies across Africa, with devastating consequences for African societies.

How did the Berlin Conference affect African people?


Berlin Conference had a profound and negative impact on African people. Existing political structures were ignored, leading to the creation of artificial borders that divided ethnic groups and fueled future conflicts. Colonial rule also brought widespread exploitation of resources and labor, as well as the suppression of African cultures and traditions.

Were there any objections to the Berlin Conference?


While largely accepted by European powers, the Berlin Conference was not without its critics. Some voiced concerns about the arbitrary nature of the territorial divisions and the detrimental impact on African peoples. However, these objections were ultimately ignored, and the conference's decisions went into effect.

What is the Berlin Conference's legacy today?


Berlin Conference's legacy remains complex and contested. It is often seen as a symbol of European imperialism and the exploitation of African resources. However, some argue that it also brought a degree of stability and facilitated trade across the continent. Regardless of its interpretation, the Berlin Conference undeniably shaped the political map of Africa and continues to influence the region's social, economic, and political dynamics today.

Additionally, you could explore more specific aspects of the conference, such as:

  • Role of individual European powers at the conference.
  • Impact on particular African regions or countries.
  • Efforts of African resistance movements against colonial rule.

Berlin Conference had a significant impact on the history and geography of Africa. It led to the division of Africa into artificial boundaries that ignored the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the continent. It also sparked the Scramble for Africa, a period of intense competition and conflict among the European powers for the control and exploitation of Africa's resources and people. The Berlin Conference is often seen as a symbol of the injustice and oppression of colonialism and imperialism in Africa.