Berlin Conference opens to regulate European colonisation and trade in Africa

Background. Prior to the conference, European diplomats interacted with African rulers, and explorers laid groundwork for colonial ambitions. Bismarck, who reversed his stance on colonialism in 1883–1884, called on representatives of 13 European nations and the United States to work out a joint policy on the African continent. The conference, convened under British support and on Portuguese initiative, formalised ambitions by recognising territorial claims in resource-rich areas.

Participants. The conference involved fourteen countries, organized by Bismarck at the request of Leopold II. No African countries were invited, though Sultan Barghash Bin Seyyid of Zanzibar requested representation, which was rejected due to pressure from British anti-slavery organizations regarding Zanzibar's slave trade activities.

Outcomes. The General Act established regulations for acquiring colonies, including the principle of effective occupation for coastal territories. It decreed free trade throughout the Congo Basin. While often cited as responsible for the 'carve-up of Africa,' scholars note that most borders were finalized later, and bilateral agreements existed before and after the conference.