The Dynamic Evolution of Russo-African Relations

At the Berlin conference of 1884-1885, powerful European nations effectively decided Africa’s destiny without its knowledge, consent or participation. The conference was set up to help the participant-nations resolve their conflicting interests in Africa without resorting to a violent confrontation. The result of the conference was the colonization of Africa. Although trading routes between African coastal cities and the western world had been established as early as the 1400s, only 20 per cent of Africa was formally occupied by Western powers as of 1884. Africa presented an invaluable opportunity for Western imperialist nations to expand their territories and influence while also enriching themselves by exploiting Africa’s mineral-rich land. The end game was largely two-fold: increasing wealth and global influence. By 1914, over 90 per cent of Africa was under European control.