The purpose of the Berlin Conference in 1884 was to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period. Convened by Otto von Bismarck, the conference aimed to prevent conflict among European powers over African territories by establishing guidelines for claiming land. This led to the “Scramble for Africa,” resulting in the partitioning of the continent and lasting repercussions that affected African nations politically, socially, and economically well into the 20th century.