The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 established boundaries for European colonization in Africa, dividing the continent among European powers. The conference set rules for the colonization of Africa, including the principle of effective occupation, which allowed European powers to claim territories they could effectively control. I know this from studying the history of European colonization and the Scramble for Africa, which was a period of intense European competition for colonies and resources in Africa during the late 19th century.