Final answer:
European colonization of Africa was primarily driven by the quest for economic gains from raw materials, political rivalry, and the pursuit of international prestige, culminating in the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 where Europe divided Africa without consideration for its inhabitants.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European nations were driven by various motivations to colonize Africa. The primary motive was economic benefits, as they sought access to raw materials such as gold, diamonds, copper, and rubber. These resources were essential for supporting the burgeoning industrial economies of Europe. In addition to economic interests, European powers were motivated by political rivalry and competition for international prestige. With technological advances such as steamships and new medicines like quinine, Europeans could explore and conquer African territories more easily. The culmination of these efforts was formalized during the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European nations partitioned Africa among themselves, often without regard for the native populations. Ultimately, the colonization of Africa led to significant exploitation and reshaping of African societies, economies, and environments, with lasting impacts that are still felt today.