The Berlin Conference also "Congo Conference" (German: Kongokonferenz) or Berlin West Africa Conference (German: Westafrika-Konferenz) of 1884–85 regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period, and coincided with Germany's sudden emergence as an imperial power. Called for by Portugal and organized by Otto von Bismarck, first Chancellor of Germany, its outcome, the General Act of the Berlin Conference, can be seen as the formalization of the Scramble for Africa. The conference ushered in a period of heightened colonial activity by European powers, while simultaneously eliminating most existing forms of African autonomy and self-governance.
Read more about Berlin Conference: Early History of The Conference, Conference, General Act, Agenda, Consequences
Famous quotes containing the words berlin and/or conference:
“Won’t you play a simple melody
Like my mother sang to me—
One with good old fashioned harmony.
Play a simple melody.”
—Irving Berlin (1888–1989)
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