What was one of the results of the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885?

The outcome of the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 significantly reshaped the political landscape of Africa, making the drawing of arbitrary colonial boundaries a pivotal result. During the conference, European powers convened to discuss the division of Africa among themselves without the presence or input of African leaders. This led to the establishment of borders that often disregarded the existing ethnic, cultural, and social divisions among various African communities. The arbitrary delineation of these boundaries contributed to future conflicts and tensions, as numerous ethnic groups found themselves split across different colonial territories, or conversely, different groups were forced into the same colony without consideration for their historical relationships.

This disregard for indigenous perspectives during the colonial division starkly contrasts with the idea of African nations gaining independence, which did not occur until many decades later, or with the notion that European nations withdrew their control, which was the opposite of the conference's intentions. The absence of African leaders from the negotiations further underscores the colonial nature of the conference and its focus on European interests rather than a sincere effort toward a cooperative relationship with Africa.