The significance of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 lies in its role in the "Scramble for Africa," where European powers negotiated territorial claims on the continent. European nations, seeking to expand their empires, convened in Berlin to establish rules for colonization, leading to the partitioning of Africa without regard for indigenous cultures or political boundaries. The conference, spearheaded by figures like Otto von Bismarck, resulted in a significant loss of autonomy for African nations and fueled exploitation of resources. Its legacy has had lasting impacts, contributing to conflicts and issues of national identity in modern Africa as nations grapple with the consequences of arbitrary borders.