On November 15, 1884, the Berlin Conference commenced, which regulated global trade and established boundaries in the continent of Africa.

There were several reasons why Europe became interested in the African continent in the late 19th century.

With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Europe’s economy burgeoned. However, since raw materials were limited by geography, nations began to search for untapped resources. With the novelty of the New World exploration wearing off and rumors of precious metals and other materials in the Dark Continent, Europe naturally began focusing its efforts southward to a nearer proximity.

The idea of Social Darwinism, that one race of man was naturally superior to another, was quickly gaining popularity as well. Notable figures such as Sir Herbert Spencer and Francis Galton had argued that Darwin’s theory of natural selection applied within the human species as well. This theory was applied in Imperialistic Europe to justify the civilized colonizing the uncivilized, especially in Africa. (This idea eventually led to eugenics, and idea which called for the “cleansing” of certain races.)

The Berlin Conference was held in the home of Otto von Bismarck, German Chancellor. Fourteen nations participated in the conference (including the United States), but of those who had the greatest interest and influence were France, Great Britain, Portugal, and Germany. The final product emphasized free trade and uti possidetis colonies, or the Principle of Effectivity. This principle stated that if colonies were not governed effectively, used for economic reasons, or there was no treaty with the indigenous peoples, another country could take over the territory and establish those requirements.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US:

The conference enabled the formalized exploration of the entirety of Africa. Many of the arbitrary boundaries drawn at the conference remain on the African map, although virtually all of Africa is decolonized today. More significant, though, were the economic gains that each country made through the exploitation of these newfound natural resources, especially rubber, gold, ivory, and diamonds. With the flood of natural resources coming in to many nations, there arose a perceived need for defense and superiority. Arms races began, especially with Germany. With African boundaries formally established, and a lessening capability of maritime competition, Germany began  setting its sights on neighboring European territories, eventually leading to World War I.

Interestingly enough, many countries today are looking toward Africa for its untapped oil reserves, including China. Russia, and the United States.