The Berlin Conference brought together 14 European powers and the United States to establish ground rules for the colonization of Africa. Known as the "Scramble for Africa," the conference was organized by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and led to the establishment of European colonies across Africa.
The conference was held in Berlin between Nov. 15, 1884 and Nov. 26, 1885. By 1914, Africa had been completely divided into 50 countries among the conference participants. Despite most African countries having regained their independence by the late 1950s, the borders drawn by the European powers have caused political conflict and turmoil that are still felt in Africa today.