The primary significance of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 in African history was its role in the scramble for Africa, where European powers divided the continent among themselves with little regard for existing cultures and boundaries. Convened by Otto von Bismarck, the conference established rules for colonization, facilitating the establishment of European dominance in Africa. This division led to widespread exploitation and profound cultural, social, and political changes across the continent. The conference's legacy continues to influence contemporary African relations and conflicts, demonstrating the lasting impact of colonialism.