Question

Why did big European powers meet in Berlin in 1885?

Answer 1

Answer:

With the Berlin Conference, held around 1884-1885, the partition of Africa began. The conference took place in Berlin, the capital city of Germany. During this meeting, Africa was divided between distinct European nations.

1. By the early 1880s, European interest in Africa had increased dramatically.
2. By establishing international protocols for colonization, the Berlin Conference sought to end competition and conflict between European powers.

As per the general act of the Conference of Berlin

• Rejected Portugal’s claims to the Congo River estuary
• Congo River basin was declared to be neutral.
• The Berlin Act of 1885, signed by the 13 European powers attending the conference, included a resolution to ‘help in suppressing slavery.