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The Berlin Conference
The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 resulted in the splitting up of the African continent among the
powerful countries of Europe. The conference was dominated by France, Germany, Great Britain,
and Portugal. During the conference those countries drew most of the borders on the African continent without considering the different ethnic and cultural groups that lived in Africa. The borders
drawn by the European countries increased conflict between many of the ethnic groups in the African
colonies.
By the mid-19th century, the African coast was largely colonized, and competition between the
European colonists often led to violent conflict. German chancellor Otto von Bismarck called the conference in 1884 at the request of Portugal. The meeting was held in Berlin, Germany from November
15, 1884 to February 26, 1885. In addition to the four dominating nations, Bismarck also invited
diplomats representing Austria-Hungary, Russia, the United States, Denmark, Spain, Italy, the
Netherlands, Sweden-Norway (the two nations were joined from 1814 to 1905), Belgium, and Turkey.
No Africans were invited.
Colonial possessions by 1914
The meeting was called because there was confusion
among European nations regarding borders. A primary goal was to agree that the Congo River and
Niger River could freely be used by all European
countries for trade. At the time, 80% of Africa was
controlled by local leaders of over 1,000 different
ethnic groups.
By the end of the Berlin Conference, Africa was divided into 50
countries. Great Britain left with control of Egypt, Sudan, Uganda,
Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, and
Ghana. France's takings comprised much of western Africa:
Mauritania, Chad, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. Germany
took Namibia and Tanzania, Belgium took the Democratic Republic
of Congo, and Portugal took Mozambique and Angola. Italy won control of Somalia and part of Ethiopia, while Spain walked away with the
least: Equatorial Guinea.
The boundaries forced on the African people by the conference caused trouble in Africa by dividing
cultures and bringing together enemies. The effects of the conference can still be seen through the
political struggles and ethnic violence that plagues the continent even decades after most of Africa
achieved independence.
Adapted from "Berlin Conference." World History: The Modern Era. 2008. ABC-CLIO. 7 Dec. 2008
<http://www.worldhistory.abc-clio.com>.
1. How were most of the borders of African countries drawn?
2. Why did the borders drawn by Europeans increase conflict in Africa?