When speaking of colonialism, people always mention the relations of the Berlin Conference. This great historic event took place between November 1884 and February, 1885 with far reaching consequences throughout the African continent. The information provided in this article aims to throw light on the Berlin agenda that will include; historical background of the Berlin Conference, the main players, reasons for attending the Conference and its impact. Let’s go through this trip of discovery in order to know the history that was being built in Africa.
The Historical Context
To be able to appreciate what the Berlin Conference represented we need to look at the backdrop of the time period. Towards the end of the 19th century European imperialist had grown eager for colonies and materials for commerce. Being greatly endowed with raw materials, Africa was a target of colonization.
Before the conference, Europeans had already started competition for the colonization of Africa half of the continent was under the control of European powers. Jurgen Habermas note that by 1820 the British, French, Portuguese and others had established toeholds on the continent and involved in the struggle to capture and control the continent. This rather chaotic rivalry aimed at strengthening influence in the Near East without central regulation and permissions contributed to raising the potential for conflict between European powers that called for a diplomatic settlement.
The Berlin Conference: Key Participants
The Berlin Conference was called by the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to set rules to colonization of Africa by Europe nations. It was present by delegates from 14 countries with heavyweights being Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium among others.
There is no African representation at the Berlin Conference and this is important to note. The continent of Africa was divided among European countries, and the population of the continent of Africa was never asked their opinion about it. This colonialist mentality went on for many years to make African countries stay subjected to the cruel dominance of the white races.
The still motives of the European powers.
I have compiled the factors that made the European powers to have interest in Africa They include: Thus, economic selfish interests had great influence on the whole process. These riches such as rubber, diamonds, gold, and ivory were tantalizing to the industrial growth of Europe and rather flattering to those wanting to break up the continent. These powers had imperialistic tendencies driven by the need of trade corridors and markets together with raw materials.
Also, the European powers thought that the Africans were inferior and hence they had a duty to make this so called ‘dark continent’ a vary of civilization and Christian mission. This ethnocentric mindset also saw people justify colonization as bringing civilization, as it was the white man’s duty to civilize these backward African societies.
Decisions and Consequences
The following are some of the vital decisions made and taken at the Berlin Conference that proved disastrous to Africa in future. The principle of effective occupation was introduced and it foreshadowed that control of territory implied effective administrative use. This criterion enabled the European powers to occupy extensive area in Africa as soon as they posted a few representatives or military men in that area.
It is also true that the conference led to the arbitrary drawing of borders. They cut across existing African tribal boundaries, cultural relations and over looked the economic organization in Africa and superimisted over it strange geometric shapes. This division sowed the seeds for conflict as well as tension in the post-colonial society.
In addition, the Berlin Conference did not have regard such social factor as culture, language or history of Africa hence causing the African traditions, languages and institutions to be degraded. African societies were forced to labor and their productivity maximized, their culture was suppressed by the forcibly ruling European powers.
Conclusion
The conference that was held in Berlin is considered as the landmark in the history of Africa. Thus, analysing the historical background, main actors, their potential, aims, and outcomes of the event allows considering the impact of the event on the continent more profound. These decisions were going to hold the future of africa and for the next decades, the continent was going to be under colonial rule with some struggling to break the bond.
Thus, remembering the Berling Conference, we should emphasis the tremendous pain colonialism has brought to humanity as well as its consequences which still exist to date. Thus, only recognizing this part of history, it is possible to try to create new history when everyone want a self-determination and the dignity of all nations.
Table of Contents
