The Berlin Conference
And it's connection to Infrastucure
The Berlin Conferance
The Berlin Conference, 1884 to 1885, was held by the German Chancellor, Otto van Bismarck. It was a turning point in the European scramble for Africa. The conference was held to regulate and formalize the colonization of Africa. Infrastructure would play a crucial role in the events of the Berlin Conference as it became a significant necessity for colonial expansion.
The Different Sections of Control
Africa was partitioned into colonial territories controlled by different European powers. The division was primarily based off of effective occupation, which meant that whoever controlled the area had to establish a presence and administration. France acquired a significant share of African territories in West and Central Africa. Belgian controlled the Congo Free State. Portugal had a long standing presence in Africa even before the Berlin Conference. Italy had a very small presence in Africa. Other European powers had smaller colonial territories. Britain gained control over a substantial portion of Africa. Which included; Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi
Transportation Infrastructure
The European powers invested in transportation networks for the move of goods and resources from interior to coastal areas for export. This involved the construction of railway, ports, and roads that connected land regions to the coast. The development of transportation and infrastructure was focused on extracting and exporting African resources. Instead of boosting the local trade it actually severely damaged it.
Water Supply/Sanitation
Colonial Powers understood the importance of sanitation and water supply systems. To main control, prevent diseases, and provide essential services to European settlers. A result of European colonial cities there was better developed sanitation and water supply infrastructure, compared to indigenous settlements. Sewer systems, and piped water supply and sanitation facilities were introduced in urban. Areas a significant European presence had more access to these service.
Industrial Infrastructure
European colonial powers established industrial centers in some African cities to support extraction of materials and promote economics. These industrial areas often had infrastructures like; factories warehouses, power plants and transportation links to work the process and export of raw materials. The benefit of these industries often leaned toward the European powers. With rarely any investment in local industries or infrastructure that would benefit indigenous people.
Work Cited
Works Cited
Barker, Katie. “Alive and Kicking: Colonial Legacies in Africa.” ROAPE.net, 23 August 2018, https://roape.net/2018/08/23/alive-and-kicking-colonial-legacies-in-africa/. Accessed 24 May 2023.
“THE BERLIN CONFERENCE ON AFRICA 1884-1885 (Vc).” Timewise Traveller, https://www.timewisetraveller.co.uk/berlin2.html. Accessed 24 May 2023.
“How colonial railroads defined Africa's economic geography.” CEPR, 2 March 2017, https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/how-colonial-railroads-defined-africas-economic-geography. Accessed 24 May 2023.
Rosenberg, Matt. “The Berlin Conference to Divide Africa.” ThoughtCo, 30 June 2019, https://www.thoughtco.com/berlin-conference-1884-1885-divide-africa-1433556. Accessed 24 May 2023.
Sherman, Zandi. “Coloniality of Infrastructure - Zandi Sherman - Infrastructures and the Ontological Question of Race.” e-flux, 29 September 2021, https://www.e-flux.com/architecture/coloniality-infrastructure/411239/infrastructures-and-the-ontological-question-of-race/. Accessed 24 May 2023.
“UN report: Billions lack access to safe water and sanitation.” Climate & Capitalism, 23 July 2017, https://climateandcapitalism.com/2017/07/23/un-report-billions-lack-access-to-safe-water-and-sanitation/. Accessed 24 May 2023.