AP World History: Modern
An international meeting between European nations to divide African territories amongst themselves, avoiding conflict between European powers over Africa.
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The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, orchestrated by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, was convened against a backdrop of rapid colonial expansion by European powers into Africa. The conference aimed to regulate the scramble for African territories and avoid conflict among European nations. Representatives from 14 countries, including the United States, delineated rules for annexing African land during this period, without the presence or consent of any African leaders.
The Berlin Conference had profound implications for the political landscape of Africa. It formalized the partitioning of the continent among European powers without regard for indigenous populations or established borders. This arbitrary division sowed seeds for future ethnic conflicts and political instability. The conference epitomizes imperialism and set a precedent for international relations that prioritized power dynamics over self-determination, shaping colonial policies well into the 20th century.