Understanding the Berlin Conference: The Beginning of European Colonization of Africa

what was held to prevent war between European countries over Africa?

The Berlin Conference

The Berlin Conference, which took place from November 1884 to February 1885, was held to prevent war between European countries over Africa. The conference was convened by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, and was attended by representatives of 14 European countries and the United States.

The primary aim of the Berlin Conference was to regulate and divide African territory amongst European powers, in order to prevent conflict between them over control of the continent. The conference established rules for the acquisition of colonies and defined the process for recognition of territorial claims. It also established the principle of effective occupation, which meant that a European power had to actually control and administer a territory in order to claim ownership.

The Berlin Conference effectively set the stage for the rush to colonize Africa, with European powers carving up the continent into spheres of influence and colonies. The conference and the subsequent colonization of Africa had significant long-term effects on the continent, including the displacement of African populations, the imposition of European languages and cultures, and the exploitation of natural resources.

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