Berlin Conference concludes with the General Act regulating Africa

Background. The conference was convened by Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, following disputes over the Congo estuary. It brought together representatives from thirteen European nations and the United States to formulate a joint policy for the African continent. The meeting aimed to regulate colonization and trade, setting rules for effective control of territories to mitigate conflicts between colonial powers.

The General Act. The General Act of Berlin formalized colonial ambitions by recognizing territorial claims in resource-rich areas. It established regulations to reduce conflict among competing powers, including protections for free trade in parts of the Congo Basin. The interpretation of the Principle of Effective Occupation was a major point of contention between Germany, Britain, and France.

Controversies and Criticism. The conference proceedings were criticized for ignoring the welfare of native Africans. A Nigerian newspaper described the event as a large-scale robbery. The General Act did not include the name 'Congo Free State,' which was announced later. The determination of Leopold II as Sovereign was not made at the conference itself.