The Berlin Conference, 1884
Overview
This activity will provide an in-depth look at the Berlin Conference, at which European powers met to decide the future of the African continent. Students will participate in a series of rounds in which they will make decisions on which type of resource they would like to have.
Instructions
This activity will provide an in-depth look at the Berlin Conference, at which European powers met to decide the future of the African continent. You will be participating in a series of rounds in which each of you will be making decisions on which type of resource (candy) you would like to have. While it is important for everybody to have a chance to speak according to the instructions, only one student will “have the floor” at a time. Germany will be reading the directions for each Round. Participation in this activity and completion of this sheet will be worth 15 points.
Round One
Each country should decide what areas of Africa you want. Starting with Germany and moving clockwise, each European country will announce which African country they value most. Answers will be tallied on the board.
Which African country did you most value and why? (Ignore if you are an African country.)
As a group, Europe should now vote to decide if they would like to give the African countries a chance to speak.
Were they allowed to have a say?
Summarize Round 1 in 2-3 sentences. What happened? Were there any arguments? How did you feel about how Round 1 went and explain whether the results were positive or negative for your country.
Round Two
The “Wheel and Deal” Round. Each African country may be split up further if two or more European countries can agree on a compromise. Starting with Germany and continuing clockwise, offer and explain any deals that you would like to make with your European classmates. This round will continue until all countries come to an agreement. Germany will have the final say in all disputes.
Are you happy with what you received from the African table? Why or why not?
Questions
- What did the candy represent in the activity?
- During Rounds 1 and 2, did anyone in the room take charge and get more than the other countries? What do you think a country would need in order to "take charge" of negotiations like this in "real life"?
- In your own words, did this activity represent Imperialism?
- What impact do you feel the Berlin Conference had:
- On Africa in the late 1880s?
- On European countries in the late 1880s?
- Why do you think African leaders were ignored at the actual Berlin Conference?
- What impact do you feel the Berlin Conference will have on the future relations between African and other countries? Explain your answers.
- How could conflicts develop between European countries as they competed for colonies?
- Today, civil wars, disease, and political corruption are constant occurrences in Africa. Do you think there is any connection between the division of Africa at the Berlin Conference and the conflicts going on in Africa today? Explain your answer.
About This Resource
The resource included here was submitted by a participant in a one-day virtual workshop entitled, "Teaching the Global African Diaspora" for world history teachers hosted by the Alliance for Learning in World History. This was a draft document that may subsequently have been revised in light of feedback and discussion during the event.
This resource was contributed by Scott DeVivo.