Final answer:
The Berlin Conference of 1884 divided Africa among European powers, leading to present-day issues of political instability, armed conflict, and low development. These problems are rooted in the disregard for existing tribal boundaries and the imposition of artificial political boundaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Berlin Conference of 1884 was a meeting held by European powers to divide and colonize Africa. The major European powers, such as Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal, negotiated and established rules for their colonization efforts. As a result, European countries carved up Africa without considering the existing tribal or ethnic boundaries, leading to the creation of artificial political boundaries that did not align with the diverse African societies.
The present-day issues in Africa, including political instability, armed conflict, and low levels of development, can be traced back to the consequences of the Berlin Conference. The arbitrary division of Africa disrupted existing social structures and created tensions among different ethnic groups. As a result, conflicts arose, exacerbated by competition for resources and power. The imposition of political boundaries without regard for local identities and historical connections continues to contribute to ethnic and political tensions in the region.
To summarize: At the Berlin Conference of 1884, European powers divided Africa without considering existing tribal boundaries. The consequences of this division led to political instability, armed conflict, and low levels of development in Africa today, as the artificial political boundaries disrupted social structures and created tensions among different ethnic groups.
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