<P> The Berlin Conference ( German : Kongokonferenz or `` Congo Conference '' ) of 1884 -- 85 regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the Imperialism period , and coincided with Germany 's sudden emergence as an imperial power . Called for by Portugal and organized by Otto von Bismarck , first Chancellor of Germany , its outcome , the General Act of the Berlin Conference , can be seen as the formalization of the Scramble for Africa . The conference ushered in a period of heightened colonial activity by European powers , while simultaneously eliminating most existing forms of African autonomy and self - governance . During this colonial time , the economy of Africa was re-arranged to serve Europe and Europeans , and the European industrial chain began in Africa and ended in European industrial warehouses . </P>
<P> The Berlin Conference ( German : Kongokonferenz or `` Congo Conference '' ) of 1884 -- 85 regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the Imperialism period , and coincided with Germany 's sudden emergence as an imperial power . Called for by Portugal and organized by Otto von Bismarck , first Chancellor of Germany , its outcome , the General Act of the Berlin Conference , can be seen as the formalization of the Scramble for Africa . The conference ushered in a period of heightened colonial activity by European powers , while simultaneously eliminating most existing forms of African autonomy and self - governance . During this colonial time , the economy of Africa was re-arranged to serve Europe and Europeans , and the European industrial chain began in Africa and ended in European industrial warehouses . </P>
who controlled a lot of governments and financial agents in africa at the end of the 19th century
who controlled a lot of governments and financial agents in africa at the end of the 19th century
European powers
European powers