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 the 1880s to the early 1900s. Major countries involved included Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, each seeking to expand their empires and access valuable resources. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 played a crucial role in this process, as it established rules for the partitioning of Africa among European nations without considering the continent's diverse cultures and existing political structures. This led to significant changes in African societies and long-lasting impacts that are still felt today.