How the Berlin Conference spurred the colonization of Africa

Breakdown

• European and American representatives met in Berlin to divide Africa, with no African leaders present.
• The conference established the principle of 'effective occupation,' enabling European military control to determine territorial claims. 45s
• Colonial expansion led to arbitrary borders that split ethnic groups and unified rivals, causing lasting divisions. 1m 4s
• Many modern African conflicts stem from these colonial-era borders. 1m 24s
• Debates about restitution and reparations often reference the Berlin Conference's enduring impact. 1m 46s