The "Scramble for Africa" refers to the rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century, particularly from 1881 to 1914. Major countries involved included Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, each seeking to expand their empires and access valuable resources. This period was marked by the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European leaders negotiated the rules for colonizing Africa without African representation. The consequences of the Scramble for Africa were profound, leading to the establishment of arbitrary borders that often disregarded ethnic and cultural divisions. This resulted in long-term political and social challenges for many African nations. The legacy of colonialism continues to influence Africa's development and international relations today.