Final answer:
The "Scramble for Africa" was an aggressive division of the African continent by European powers, driven by international rivalry, technological advancements, and economic motives. By the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, without African input, European nations had divided Africa to serve their own interests, which has had enduring effects on the continent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Scramble for Africa" refers to a period at the end of the 19th century when European powers divided up the African continent into colonies. This colonization was driven by a variety of factors, including intense international rivalry and the desire to exploit Africa's untapped resources. By the end of the century, European countries went from controlling roughly 10% of Africa to over 90%, a testament to the rapid pace and voracity of the conquest.
Technological advancements, such as the discovery of quinine to treat malaria and the development of mechanized vehicles and weapons, allowed Europeans to penetrate further into the African interior. The desire to access raw materials, new markets for manufactured goods, and the need to assert dominance over rivals fueled the colonization efforts. International prestige and a so-called civilizing mission were additional justifications for European expansion into Africa.
The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 marked a peak in this imperial competition, where European nations, without any African representation, carved up the continent amongst themselves. Rather than respecting indigenous territories and established spheres of influence, the borders of African states were drawn with European interests in mind, leading to long-lasting consequences for the continent's political and economic stability.