The Berlin Conference

The conference, held in Berlin between November 15, 1884, and February 26, 1885, attempted to minimize the clashes between European countries over African territories, such as between France and England over Egypt or that of France and Italy over Tunisia.

The catalyst was the Congo problem initiated by Leopold II of Belgium, who tried to monopolize the exploitation of the Congo River resources, although Portugal and the United Kingdom also had territories in that basin. This motivated European countries to be summoned to regulate occupations. The fundamental purpose was to establish freedom of navigation and trade while forcing an effective occupation of the territory by the European country.

Twelve European nations, the Ottoman Empire, and the US were invited to the conference; many had no colonial interests on the continent but served as international validators of the agreements. Clearly, no one invited representatives of African nations.