Laura CabaAfrican Studies - Professor E. JulmisseMay 20, 2014Final Exam1. a) The Berlin Conference and its aftermath Held between 1884 and 1885, the Berlin Conference was an international convention proposed by Portugal to resolve territorial disagreements that arose due to European activity in the Congo area. It all began when the success of the Portuguese expeditions to Africa encouraged other Europeans to travel to Africa as well. Violent disputes over land and control soon began, which escalated even further when the Industrial Revolution introduced a great need for cheap labor and new products to sell. Led by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, the conference aimed to supervise the slave trade and encourage civilization. However it proved to be ineffective as it did nothing for the cause of slavery and for the good of Africa. Indeed, Africans had lost much of their land and freedom as only Liberia and Ethiopia remained independent. Europeans exploited the resources, leaving Africans food-deficient and economically unstable. African populations were soon subjected to slavery, being considered inferior. Social relationships were also ruined with the introduction of education as some chose to receive it and others refused. In the end, the conference was simply a way to divide Africa among European colonies.b) The Different Methods of Colonization by European NationsThe methods of European colonization varied depending on the location and time period. Sometimes their approaches were peaceful. First, they used religion to their advantage. They convinced Africans that if they fought against European rule they would be going against God's teachings by using the Christian mission...middle of paper...that's a course I didn't expect to learn. I learned of the countless African achievements and progress that others have taken credit for. This seemingly underdeveloped continent is home to some of the largest empires such as Ghana and Great Zimbabwe. Its political progress is equally impressive, given that the concept of monarchy was developed there. The wonders of Africa also lie in its vast culture, home to many mathematical advances and the creation of impressive architecture. And these are just some of the magnificent achievements achieved on the continent. I learned about Africa's struggles from slavery to gender discrimination, as well as its success in overcoming these obstacles. My perception of Africa has completely changed after taking this course. It introduced me to so many facts about the region that I wasn't aware of before.