French and British colonialism and imperialism in Africa Africa is home to countless cultures, all with unique ideas and customs. Over the past two centuries, these cultures have been threatened to the point that they have almost ceased to exist. The Berlin Conference was a very important event in the history of Africa and Europe. It legitimized what the European powers, especially France and Great Britain, had done for the last hundred years, without the approval of any African country. During the late 19th century, France and Britain began imperialistic ventures in Africa, which eventually led to Leopold II conquering the Congo. It was Leopold II's presence in Africa that drove the Berlin Conference. The Berlin Conference took place first and foremost to legitimize what was already happening in Africa (Berlin). Africa has recently experienced the greed of European countries. The English and French, along with some other European nations, had begun carving up Africa as they pleased. By 1880, about half of the coastal countries saw some form of European presence (Wessling coverage). The French began to take control of Algeria and parts of Gabon and Senegal. The English occupied much of southern Africa and parts of the west coast. Until 1884 no one could invade internal Africa. Before this, the massive countries had concentrated mainly on the coasts. By 1884, there was a road connecting the Congo River to the coast, and the remaining European powers wanted in on the action. The disagreements that resulted from this sudden desire to conquer Africa were what made the Berlin Conference so important (Part IV). There were also many reasons beyond the obvious. The Berlin Conference was... at the center of the paper... for an African nation. Works CitedBennett, Norman. Africa and Europe: from Roman times to national independence. New York: Africana Publishing Co, 1984."Berlin, Conference of." Vers. 3. 1994. Columbia's concise electronic encyclopedia. March 5, 2000 "Bismarck, Otto Von." Vers. 3. 1994. Columbia's concise electronic encyclopedia. March 5, 2000.Hugon, Anne. The exploration of Africa: from Cairo to the Cape. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc, 1991. “Part IV Anticolonialism and Reconstruction.” March 5, 2000. Sempell, Charlotte. Otto Von Bismarck.New York: Twayne Publishers, Inc, 1972.Wessling, H.H., Divide and Rule: The Partition of Africa, 1880-1914. Westport: Preger, 1991.