Kadija Chenekan HIS 10 10/24/12 Writing Assignment #5 Question 5 The Conference of Berlin of 1884 changed the face of Africa.

Before the conference, European Powers were racing to get Africa because of its natural resources and cheap labor. It was a time of Nationalism in Europe, the zeal with which missionaries arrived in Africa was only surpassed by the Europeans grab for all they can get from these new territories. There was no clear definition on what would constitute as a guideline on who has the right of which territory. The acquirement of Congo by Belgium is what would lead to the Conference. The dispute of the Congo territory led Otto Von Bismarck, the leader of Germany to propose a conference where guidelines and rules would be established. At the conference of Berlin, the criteria for control of any territory were laid down: the occupation of said territory and the establishment of a port in this territory or nearby. The conference also abolished slavery in all these territories. The abolishment of Slavery was not so easily accomplished. The native people of Africa were treated poorly and had little or no voice in matters concerning their fates. The conference of Berlin just prevented a conflict that would have resulted between European Countries and changed the map of Africa and made it easier for Europeans to gain new colonies.