Final answer:
The Berlin Conference in 1884 resulted in the division of Africa based on the claims of fourteen European nations, disregarding tribal and ethnic boundaries, with no African leaders present. The correct answer is option: a) The claims of fourteen European nations
Step-by-step explanation:
At the Berlin Conference in 1884, decisions were made to divide Africa based primarily on the claims of fourteen European nations, which is option A). The Berlin Conference was called by Otto von Bismarck to bring order to the 'scramble for Africa' and was attended by representatives from 13 European powers plus the United States.
No African leaders were involved, and the decisions regarding the division of Africa did not consider traditional tribal boundaries, the political needs of African leaders, or a fair distribution of natural resources.
The resulted administrative boundaries often disregarded existing political and ethnic structures, forcefully merging or splitting groups and undermining the continent's social fabric. This ultimately led to civil unrest, separatist movements, and boundary disputes that would persist into the future as African countries gained independence in the mid-20th century.