Conferences organised by the colonial powers - SS3 Government Lesson Note

During the colonial era, the colonial powers organized several conferences to discuss the administration and governance of their colonies. These conferences were aimed at resolving issues such as borders, trade, and political and economic governance.

Berlin Conference of 1884-85

One of the most significant conferences was the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which was organized by European colonial powers to divide and share the continent of Africa among themselves. At the conference, the European powers drew up rules for the partition and colonization of Africa, without regard for the existing cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Round Table Conference of 1930-32

Another important conference was the Round Table Conference of 1930-32, which was held in London to discuss constitutional reform in British India. The conference brought together Indian political leaders and British officials to discuss proposals for the creation of a federal system of government and to address the issue of communal representation.

The 1947 Nigeria Conference

The 1947 Nigeria Conference was also significant, as it marked the beginning of the decolonization process in Nigeria. At the conference, the British colonial authorities discussed proposals for a federal system of government and addressed the issue of regional autonomy.

The 1955 Bandung Conference

Other notable conferences include the 1955 Bandung Conference, which brought together leaders of newly independent Asian and African states to discuss issues of mutual concern, and the 1960 Conference of Independent African States, which was organized to discuss strategies for economic and political cooperation among newly independent African states.

These conferences were significant in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of the colonies. While some of the decisions made at these conferences were controversial and had long-lasting effects, they also played a crucial role in shaping the course of history in the colonies and the eventual decolonization process.