How the Berlin Conference (1884–85) Embodied Eurocentrism

The Berlin Conference epitomized Eurocentrism in five ways:

1. European Dominance: Only European powers attended; no African representation—reflecting belief in European superiority and right to partition Africa.
2. Arbitrary Borders: Africa divided by lines on maps ignoring ethnic, cultural, linguistic boundaries—disregard for African realities.
3. Resource Exploitation: Colonial rule established for economic extraction—resources, cheap labor, captive markets—without regard for African welfare.
4. Cultural Imposition: European governance, law, education, religion imposed; indigenous systems suppressed—view that European civilization was superior.
5. Exclusion of Africans: African leaders barred from deciding their continent's fate—denial of agency and self-governance.

The conference set the stage for colonization and enduring legacies shaping Africa's politics, economy, and society today.