Question

read the text and answer the question. the berlin conference of 1884 - 1885 was a part of the imperialism of africa that took place in the 1870s and 1880s. the conference was held to prevent conflict between european countries. how did the berlin conference cause conflict and hardship throughout africa? a. the europeans ignored existing borders, cultural differences, and historical conflicts when they created new boundaries. the borders established at the berlin conference were based solely on the interests of the european powers. this led to hostile groups being forced to live in close proximity to one another. after decolonization, when borders reflected those set by the europeans, civil wars erupted in many countries as groups that were in conflict with each other struggled for control of the newly independent countries. b. the europeans created new trade barriers between africa and europe, which caused the african economy to decline. the berlin conference did not impose trade barriers. c. some african countries were represented at the conference, which caused other african countries to resent them. no african countries were represented at the berlin conference. d. some asian countries participated in the conference, leading to violent cultural clashes between colonizing powers. the participation of the ottoman empire, the only non - european nation to attend, did not result in violent clashes.

Explanation:

The Berlin Conference of 1884 - 1885 involved European powers partitioning Africa without considering existing ethnic, cultural, and historical boundaries. This led to hostilities and civil - wars later as different groups were forced together in newly formed countries. Option A correctly describes this consequence. Option B is incorrect as the conference was about territorial division rather than trade barriers. Option C is wrong because no African countries were represented at the conference. Option D is inaccurate as no Asian countries participated and there were no such cultural clashes related to Asian participation.

Answer:

A. The Europeans ignored existing borders, cultural differences, and historical conflicts when they created new boundaries. The borders established at the Berlin Conference were based solely on the interests of the European powers. This led to hostile groups being forced to live in close proximity to one another. After decolonization, when borders reflected those set by the Europeans, civil wars erupted in many countries as groups that were in conflict with each other struggled for control of the newly independent countries.