In 1884, European powers gathered in Berlin to divide Africa among themselves, with no African representation. This episode explores the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, focusing on the cynical diplomacy of Otto von Bismarck, the voracious ambitions of King Leopold II of Belgium, and the 'Principle of Effective Occupation' that sparked the Scramble for Africa. We discuss how borders were drawn on maps with little regard for ethnic or geographical realities, leading to conflicts that persist today. The conversation highlights Leopold's manipulation of the conference to gain control of the Congo Free State, and the role of explorers like Henry Morton Stanley. We also examine the conference's long-term impact, including the 1885 General Act that attempted to regulate colonization but ultimately sanctioned a land grab. This episode connects the dots between Berlin and the tragic legacy of colonialism in Africa.
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