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.
B. The Europeans created new trade barriers between Africa and Europe, which caused the African economy to decline.
C. Some African countries were represented at the conference, which caused other African countries to resent them.
D. Some Asian countries participated in the conference, leading to violent cultural clashes between colonizing powers.
A. The Europeans ignored existing borders, cultural differences, and historical conflicts when they created new boundaries.
Which statement about religious and ethnic groups is correct?
A. All individuals of a religious group belong to the same ethnic group.
B. All members of particular ethnic or religious groups live in the same area.
C. Individuals in a particular ethnic group typically all belong to different religious groups.
D. Two individuals may belong to the same religious group and still be from different ethnic groups.
D. Two individuals may belong to the same religious group and still be from different ethnic groups.
A. The Europeans ignored existing borders, cultural differences, and historical conflicts when they created new boundaries.
The correct answer is A. The Europeans ignored existing borders, cultural differences, and historical conflicts when they created new boundaries.
To find the answer to this question, we need to read the information provided in the text and understand its context. The text states that the Berlin Conference was held to prevent conflict between European countries during the era of imperialism in Africa. However, instead of resolving conflicts, the conference had negative consequences for Africa.
At the Berlin Conference, European powers divided Africa among themselves and drew arbitrary boundaries without considering pre-existing borders, cultural differences, or historical conflicts. This meant that different ethnic groups were often forced to live within the same boundaries, leading to tensions and conflicts. The new boundaries divided communities, disrupted trade routes, separated families, and caused social and political instability.
Therefore, the Berlin Conference caused conflict and hardship throughout Africa because the Europeans disregarded the complexities of the African continent and imposed artificial boundaries that did not align with social, cultural, or historical realities.