HISTORY: How Europe Divided and Shared Africa at the Berlin Conference
Africa is a continent that is rich in history and culture. Unfortunately, much of that history is tinged with the painful legacy of colonialism and exploitation. Many of the borders and divisions that exist in Africa today are the result of European powers carving up the continent for their own benefit. One of the most significant moments in this process was the Berlin Conference of 1884-85.
At the time, Africa was primarily made up of independent kingdoms, empires, and city-states. Europeans had been involved in trade with Africa for centuries, but it was only in the late 19th century that they began to see the continent as a potential source of wealth and power. European countries such as Great Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, and Italy all had their eyes on Africa, and tensions were rising as they competed for territory and influence.
In 1884, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck called for a meeting of European powers to discuss how to regulate and partition Africa. The conference was held in Berlin and lasted for several months. Representatives from 14 European countries and the United States attended, but no Africans were invited. This was a clear indication that the Europeans saw Africa as something to be divided up among themselves, rather than a continent with its own sovereign nations and peoples.
The conference was dominated by the major European powers, particularly France, Germany, and Great Britain. They used their military and economic might to bully smaller countries into accepting their demands. The Europeans drew lines on maps and claimed vast areas of Africa as their own, without any regard for the people who lived there. The conference formalized the principle of effective occupation, which meant that European powers could claim territory in Africa by simply planting a flag or setting up a trading post, without actually having to control the territory.
The consequences of the Berlin Conference were disastrous for Africa and its people. The Europeans created artificial borders that divided ethnic groups and disrupted traditional trade routes and political systems. They imposed their own languages, religions, and cultural values on the Africans, and often used brutal force to maintain control. They exploited Africa’s natural resources, such as rubber, diamonds, and gold, and used forced labor to extract them. The legacy of colonialism has had a lasting impact on Africa, and many of the continent’s current problems, such as poverty, conflict, and corruption, can be traced back to this period.
It is important to note that not all European countries participated in the partition of Africa. Some, such as Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, were too weak to compete with the major powers, while others, such as Spain and the Netherlands, had already established colonies elsewhere. The United States attended the conference as an observer, but did not take part in the partition of Africa. Some African leaders, such as King Leopold II of Belgium, actively participated in the process and used it to further their own interests.
In conclusion, the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 was a pivotal moment in the history of Africa. It marked the beginning of a period of European domination and exploitation that would have far-reaching consequences for the continent and its people. The conference was driven by greed, power, and a sense of superiority, and was characterized by a complete disregard for African sovereignty and dignity. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of imperialism and the importance of respecting the rights and autonomy of all nations and peoples.
Written by Jideofo Okibe,(Obinwannem News correspondent Enugwu State)
Date: April 24, 2024
Ubochi Eke Oku
Published by Ngozi Odoh (Obinwannem Nsukka Office Secretary)