1884 ⟶ Berlin Conference: European Powers Divide Africa

1884–1885: The Berlin Conference signals the start of the Eu...
Timelines Logo
Year
1884
1885
1905
1911
1931

🌍 Berlin Conference: European Powers Divide Africa

1884–1885: The Berlin Conference signals the start of the European "scramble for Africa".⟶
Berlin Conference: European Powers Divide Africa (1884)
ImperialismColonialismScramble for AfricaEuropean ExpansionDiplomacyInternational RelationsOtto von Bismarck
GermanyGermanyUnited KingdomUnited KingdomFranceFranceBelgiumBelgiumPortugalPortugalSpainSpainItalyItaly

👑 Leopold II of Belgium Claims Congo Free State

King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo Free State as a personal fiefdom.⟶
Leopold II of Belgium Claims Congo Free State (1885)
ColonialismImperialismScramble for AfricaExploitationHuman Rights
BelgiumBelgiumDemocratic Republic of the CongoDemocratic Republic of the Congo

🇲🇦 The First Moroccan Crisis Begins

March 31: The First Moroccan Crisis begins, going until April 1906.⟶
The First Moroccan Crisis Begins (1905)
ImperialismColonialismDiplomacyInternational RelationsPre-World War IEntente CordialeScramble for Africa
MoroccoMoroccoFranceFranceGermanyGermany

⚔️ Franco-German Dispute over Morocco

April – November: Agadir Crisis.⟶
Franco-German Dispute over Morocco (1911)
ImperialismColonialismDiplomacyWeltpolitikEntente CordialeArms RacePre-World War I
FranceFranceGermanyGermanyMoroccoMorocco

🤝 British Commonwealth of Nations Established & South Africa's Independence Granted

December 11: Statute of Westminster creates the British Commonwealth of Nations. Independence of South Africa.⟶
British Commonwealth of Nations Established & South Africa's Independence Granted (1931)
DecolonizationCommonwealthBritish EmpireIndependenceSelf-governanceInternational RelationsDiplomacyImperialism
United KingdomUnited KingdomSouth AfricaSouth AfricaCanadaCanadaAustraliaAustraliaNew ZealandNew ZealandIrelandIreland