The rapid partition of Africa by European powers between roughly 1880 and 1914 — in which a continent that was 10% European-controlled became 90% European-controlled in three decades — establishing borders that ignored existing political and ethnic realities and creating the colonial structures whose consequences shaped the 20th century and whose legacy continues to define African politics.
In 1880, roughly 10% of Africa was under European control, mostly coastal enclaves. By 1914, over 90% was. Europeans had partitioned an entire continent the size of three Europes in thirty years — drawing borders in Berlin conference rooms that sliced through kingdoms, divided ethnic groups, and lumped enemies together. No African representatives were present. The borders they drew still govern Africa today.