The Berlin Conference took place in 1884-1885 in Berlin, and its goal was to divide Africa’s resources. The representatives from twelve European countries and the United States, as well as a separate delegate, participated in the conference. The delegates discussed issues regarding the division of Africa among the European countries, but there were no representatives of African regions. At that time, many European countries, including France, Britain, and Germany, were beginning to colonize Africa. The authorities of these countries understood that it was necessary to establish certain boundaries in order to successfully complete colonization.
As a result of the conference, certain decisions were made regarding the division of Africa among the European countries, and the countries’ rights to their zones of influence and colonial agreements between them were recognized. For example, much attention was paid to discussing the rights of King Leopold II of Belgium regarding the Congo’s territories and resources. In general, the conference led to the establishment of a new political and administrative geography of Africa.
Today, many of the consequences of the Berlin Conference can be viewed as still relevant for Africa. The conference led to the formation of national borders and the division of the continent into colonies, which largely hindered the process of forming a unified African nation. The Berlin Conference also influenced the formation of national identities and cultural differences in Africa. Furthermore, it has led to the suppression of the freedoms and rights of various African peoples who faced colonization. Currently, some of the national borders that were established at the conference are still used to divide countries, as well as to determine their national rights to land and water resources.