1884-1885 Berlin Conference and the partition of Africa by the European countries

In the second half of the nineteenth century, imperialist states had new target which was Africa. Especially with personal efforts and encouragement of Belgian King, Leopold II, to make explorations in Africa, this continent became increasingly important. Conflicting over Congo in specific and Africa in general, imperialist powers and leading European states decided to come together at a conference to end this conflict and reach an agreement. Having gathered from 15 November 1884 to 26 February 1885, Berlin Conference (or the Congo Conference, West Africa Conference) was a result of this decision. Headed by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, 14 countries that had either territories or economic and political interests joined the conference. Those countries were Germany, England, France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, United States of America, Denmark, Austrian-Hungarian Empire, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Participant countries discussed trade in Congo Basin in specific, partition of Africa in general. Accepted as the legal beginning of New Imperialism, Berlin Conference set up the rules and principles of New Imperialism. This study presents policies of European powers towards Africa, their general situation and their attempts to partition Africa. Also, it shows what kind of approach the Ottoman Empire that had some territories in Africa and close relations with some Muslim African countries had towards the conference. Finally, it presents and exams issues that the participant countries discussed at the conference, the results and importance of these discussions and decisions they took especially regarding Congo.