Laura CabaAfrican Studies - Professor E. JulmisseMay 20, 2014Final Exam1. a) The Berlin Conference and its consequencesContained between 1884 and 1885, the Berlin Conference was an international convention proposed by Portugal in order to resolve disagreements over territories that arose due to European activity in the Congo region. It all started when Portugal's successful expeditions to Africa encouraged other Europeans to also travel to Africa. Violent conflicts soon erupted over land and control, growing even more pronounced as 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 oversee the slave trade and encourage good citizenship. However, it proved ineffective as it did nothing for the cause of slavery and for the good of Africa. In fact, Africans lost much of their land as well as their freedom as only Liberia and Ethiopia remained independent. Europeans exploited the resources, leaving Africans with food shortages and economic instability. The people of Africa were soon subjected to slavery, being considered inferior. Social relationships were also destroyed with the introduction of education, with some choosing to receive it and others refusing it. Ultimately, the conference was just a means of dividing Africa between European colonies. b) The different methods of colonization by European nations The methods of European colonization varied according to location and time period. Sometimes their approaches were peaceful. On the one hand, they used religion to their advantage. They persuaded Africans that if they fought against European domination, they would go against the teachings of God by using Christian mission... middle of paper ... This is a course I don't I didn't expect to learn. I learned about the countless African achievements and advances for which others have taken credit. This seemingly underdeveloped continent is home to some of the largest empires such as Ghana and Great Zimbabwe. Its political advances are just as impressive with the concept of monarchy that was developed there. The wonders of Africa also lie in its vast culture which is home to many mathematical advancements and the creation of impressive architecture. And these are just some of the continent's magnificent achievements. I learned about African struggles, from slavery to gender discrimination, and their success in overcoming these obstacles. My perception of Africa completely changed after taking this course. It introduced me to so many facts about the area that I didn't know before..