What was the main purpose of the Berlin Conference of 1884?

Known as The Berlin Conference, they sought to discuss the partitioning of Africa, establishing rules to amicably divide resources among the Western countries at the expense of the African people. Of these fourteen nations at the Berlin Conference, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Portugal were the major players.

What did the Treaty of Berlin 1885 do?

Treaty of Berlin (1885), which regulated European colonization and trade in Africa. Treaty of Berlin (1889), which recognized the independence of Samoa. Treaty of Berlin (1899), which resulted in the partition of Samoa between Germany and the United States.

What was decided at the Berlin Conference of 1884?

Rivalry between Great Britain and France led Bismarck to intervene, and in late 1884 he called a meeting of European powers in Berlin. During the conference the leaders also agreed to allow free trade among the colonies and established a framework for negotiating future European claims in Africa.

What did the Berlin Act of 1885 agree to?

The general act of the Conference of Berlin declared the Congo River basin to be neutral (a fact that in no way deterred the Allies from extending the war into that area in World War I); guaranteed freedom for trade and shipping for all states in the basin; forbade slave trading; and rejected Portugal’s claims to the …

How did Europe divide Africa?

In 1885 European leaders met at the infamous Berlin Conference to divide Africa and arbitrarily draw up borders that exist to this day. Lines of longitude and latitude, rivers and mountain ranges were pressed into service as borders separating the colonies.

Which European country gained the most land in Africa?

Great Britain
Great Britain won the most land in Africa and was “given” Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, and South Africa after defeating the Dutch Settlers and Zulu Nation. The agreements made in Berlin still affect the boundaries of African countries today.

What did the Treaty of Berlin promise?

The treaty had protected the Ottoman Empire, ended the Holy Alliance (Austria, Prussia and Russia) and weakened Russia’s position in Europe. The great powers became increasingly convinced that the Ottoman Empire would not be able to hold its territories in Europe.

Who divided up Africa?

Chancellor Otto von Bismarck
Representatives of 13 European states, the United States of America and the Ottoman Empire converged on Berlin at the invitation of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to divide up Africa among themselves “in accordance with international law.” Africans were not invited to the meeting.

Why did Europe want Africa?

Europeans first became interested in Africa for trade route purposes. They were looking for ways to avoid the taxes of the Arab and Ottoman empires in Southwest Asia. Sailing around Africa was the obvious choice, but it was a long voyage and could not be completed without “pit stops” along the way.

Who divided Africa?

Which country controls most Africa?

The British Empire controlled the most land in Africa.

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