Cutting the Pie

In the Age of Imperialism, the Great Powers of Europe had convened in Berlin, Germany. A rare event in international politics then, but it would accelerate the process of Imperialism led by Germany's boss, Chancellor Bismarck. This would be called the Berlin Conference.

To whom it may concern

You are cordially invited to Berlin, German Empire, for a meeting of the Nations. The agenda is stated clearly below and they must be abided by:

Claiming of territories in the continent of Africa

Renouncement of slavery

Humanitarian efforts in the African continent

You are strongly advised not to digress from the agenda at hand, and to prepare your notes for the meeting.

Ludwig

Deutsch Reich

"The Conference will commence now. There will be no fighting amongst us in this meeting. If anyone of you wish to state a claim, raise your hand and wait for approval from me!"

Germany was intent on making the Berlin Conference a success. His boss had highlighted to him its importance, and it was for the sake of their Reich as well. With this, the other Nations won't try to snag off the colonies he had established already.

"The Atlantic slave trade will be condemned by all signatories of the Conference and moving on to the next agenda on humanitarian idealism…"

All mere bloody lip service, England knew well from his past experience. No matter the era, the result was the same – inconclusive. Nonetheless, it was an invitation and England will represent his empire to keep their interests in Africa alive.

"The agenda of this meeting will be in regards to Africa…"

Africa eh, Austria wondered why he of all Nations was also invited. His Emperor had no designs on the Dark Continent; neither did any of the nobility. With the minorities at rebellion, Austria had no time for this crap. But still, he must stick with his ally, Germany. If he had to stay alive, Germany was his salvation.

"Nations, if you wish to make a claim to any portion of Africa, do say it out now!"

Sweden was utterly speechless, as always. However, his head was deep in thought of the Conference ahead. Even in the days of an empire, Sweden only focused on the Baltic and Northern Europe. He only once had a foothold on the Gold Coast, but that was temporary. He grew tired to make his hands dirty again.

"Through this Conference, we hope to resolve any territorial clashes between all of us in the African Continent."

America looked around the Conference Room and saw only the familiar faces of Europeans. To him, it seemed odd that non-African Nations were making decision for Africa without even consulting them. This just didn't feel right, not at all.

That's it; he's walking out of it.

"Very well, the proposed Pink Map seems valid enough. Is there any objections to it?"

Portugal felt triumphant, the first in years since losing Brazil. It would have resulted in war with England if not for this Conference. England would surely succumb to international pressure and let him unite Angola and Mozambique together.

"So Egypt, and henceforth the Sudan, will enter under the protection of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland…"

Turkey was rudely reminded his current situation. His Ottoman Empire was crumbling. He was losing in the Balkans to Russia, Greece and Serbia, and now his subjects in Africa. Was Allah with him, the Sultan and the Porte through this?

"My days… they're numbered…" Turkey thought.

"French Congo will be recognised as part of French Equatorial Africa, based in Brazzaville…"

France was elated at this. The Congo region offered many boons to his empire. Furthermore, this Conference would secure for the country the largest cut of Africa. That alone would make up for the loss in the Americas and India.

"And the region of the Congo governed by the International African Association will be declared as a free zone, the Congo Free State…"

Belgium sighed at this. She never wanted this. Only her boss wanted a colony, and she had to come here in his place… to represent his interests, not the state's. She feared for the young Congo Free State, the horrors Leopold would impose on.

Belgium shook her head and asked to be dismissed to the lavatory. While walking there, she uttered the words.

"God bless you, young one," the Belgian spoke.

The Berlin Conference saw the complete colonisation of Africa. Only Liberia and Abyssinia were left independent. The borders agreed then would become those of the new African Nations to arise in the later half of the 20th century.