The Berlin Conference, held in 1884-1885, aimed to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, effectively dividing the continent among European powers. Convened by Otto von Bismarck, the conference sought to prevent conflict among European nations over African territories. It established guidelines for how territories could be claimed, requiring the powers to notify others of their claims and to demonstrate effective occupation. This conference significantly impacted Africa, leading to the rapid colonization and exploitation of its resources, often disregarding indigenous cultures and systems. Its consequences are still evident in contemporary African geopolitical boundaries and issues.