The Berlin Conference is a significant event in worldly history, specifically for its role in the division of the African continent. Teaching students about the Berlin Conference helps shed light on imperialism’s past and allows them to understand its modern consequences. This article will guide you through the essential aspects of the Berlin Conference.

The conference took place from November 1884 to February 1885 in Berlin, Germany. Here, representatives from the major European powers of the time (including Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Sweden) gathered for a diplomatic meeting requested by Portugal and organized by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.

The primary objective of this assembly was to oversee Africa’s division among European powers in an orderly manner. At this point in history, Africa remained one of the few regions not widely influenced by Europe’s colonization efforts. The conference was an answer to address this unclaimed territory and suppress conflicts between European powers over territorial disputes.

What did it mean for Africa? The European powers divided Africa without considering ethnic or linguistic groups and traditional African jurisdictions. No African representatives were called or involved in the decision-making process. Altogether, these divisions often led to conflicts that persist today.

Teach students about key terms such as ‘Scramble for Africa’, which characterizes this rapid invasion and colonization of African territory by European countries during the late 19th century.

Moreover, it is imperative to discuss specific outcomes of the conference like ‘the General Act’. This Act secured free trade in the Congo basin; declared it neutral territory; endorsed European occupation on both coasts from Congo River to Cape Lopez; provided international navigation on Niger and Congo Rivers.

While teaching about Berlin Conference, make sure to connect its historical occurrences with present-day repercussions like unjust borders causing internal conflict within many African nations today.

In conclusion, understanding The Berlin Conference requires recognizing both its direct historical details and its broader implications for world history. Teaching this material provides students with critical perspectives on colonialism, diplomacy and globalization that remain relevant today.