The main purpose of the Berlin Conference, held from 1884 to 1885, was to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, which became known as the "Scramble for Africa." The conference aimed to prevent conflicts among European powers by establishing rules for territorial claims. It facilitated the partitioning of Africa among various European nations, often ignoring existing ethnic and cultural boundaries. This led to significant political and social consequences for the African continent, including colonial exploitation and resistance movements. Ultimately, the conference reflected the imperial ambitions of the participating nations and set the stage for future conflicts in Africa.