Leopold II establishes the Congo Free State

Background. The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 was a meeting of colonial powers that concluded with the signing of the General Act of Berlin, an agreement regulating European colonisation and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period. At the conference, the colonial nations of Europe authorised Leopold II's claim and committed the Congo Free State to him. In 1884, the United States had already announced its sympathy with and approval of the humane and benevolent purposes of the International Association of the Congo, following successful lobbying by businessman Henry Shelton Sanford at Leopold's request.

Establishment. Leopold II established the Congo Free State as a personal possession. The area was significantly larger than Belgium. The establishment involved the transition from the International Association of the Congo to a sovereign state. The name 'Congo Free State' was officially adopted in August 1885, replacing the previous association name, following the conference's conclusion.

Recognition. Much diplomatic manoeuvring among European nations resulted in the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 regarding African affairs, at which representatives of 14 European countries and the United States recognised Leopold as sovereign of most of the area to which he and Stanley had laid claim. The conference met on 15 November 1884 and, after an adjournment, concluded on 26 February 1885 with the signing of the General Act. This recognition, combined with the later announcement of the Congo Free State's name and Leopold's status as Sovereign, established the new state's standing.