Question

Explain the following statement with reasons:

In 1884 a conference of European nations was organised in Berlin.

Answer 1

1. In 1884, a conference of European nations was held in Berlin to examine the opportunities available in Africa.
2. The actual intention behind this gathering was to negotiate the division of African lands among the European powers.
3. During the conference, Belgium's control over the Congo region was officially recognised, and the territory was renamed the “Congo Free State”.
4. It was also agreed that if any European country failed to make proper use of the natural resources in its colony, that colony should be transferred to another European power.