History The Partition Of Africa Questions Long
During the partition of Africa, there were several major diplomatic negotiations that took place among European powers. These negotiations were primarily aimed at dividing and acquiring territories in Africa for colonial rule. Some of the significant diplomatic negotiations during this period include:
1. Berlin Conference (1884-1885): The Berlin Conference was a major diplomatic negotiation held in Berlin, Germany, from November 1884 to February 1885. It was organized by Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany, and attended by representatives from 14 European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium. The main objective of the conference was to establish rules for the colonization of Africa and to prevent conflicts among European powers. The conference resulted in the adoption of the General Act of the Berlin Conference, which recognized the principle of effective occupation and laid down guidelines for the division of Africa.
2. Anglo-French Agreements: The Anglo-French agreements were a series of diplomatic negotiations between Britain and France to resolve their territorial disputes in Africa. These negotiations aimed to establish clear boundaries between their respective colonies and avoid conflicts. The most notable agreements were the Treaty of Paris (1890) and the Entente Cordiale (1904). The Treaty of Paris defined the boundaries between British and French territories in West Africa, while the Entente Cordiale settled disputes in North Africa and established spheres of influence.
3. Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty (1890): The Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty was a diplomatic agreement between Britain and Germany. It resolved the territorial disputes between the two powers in East Africa. According to the treaty, Germany recognized Britain's control over Zanzibar, while Britain ceded the island of Heligoland in the North Sea to Germany. This treaty helped to maintain peace and stability in the region.
4. Treaty of Fashoda (1898): The Treaty of Fashoda was a diplomatic agreement between Britain and France, which resolved their territorial disputes in Sudan. Both countries claimed control over the region, leading to a tense standoff. However, the treaty recognized British control over Sudan and French control over other parts of West Africa. This negotiation helped to avoid a potential conflict between the two powers.
5. Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Although not directly related to the partition of Africa, the Treaty of Tordesillas is worth mentioning as it laid the foundation for European colonization. This treaty was signed between Spain and Portugal and divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two powers. It established a line of demarcation, known as the Tordesillas Line, which granted Spain control over the territories to the west of the line and Portugal control over the territories to the east. This treaty influenced subsequent European colonial expansion, including the partition of Africa.
These major diplomatic negotiations played a crucial role in shaping the division of Africa among European powers. They established boundaries, resolved disputes, and provided a legal framework for colonial rule. However, it is important to note that these negotiations were largely conducted without the participation or consent of African leaders and communities, leading to the exploitation and oppression of African peoples during the colonial era.