Which factor affected the boundaries drawn by Europeans during the Berlin Conference? (2 points)
A. Proximity to coastal areas explored by the Portuguese
B. Religious beliefs of African people
C. Geographic location of major river streams
Ethnic group identities of majority groups in each region
A. Proximity to coastal areas explored by the Portuguese
C. Geographic location of major river streams
The factor that affected the boundaries drawn by Europeans during the Berlin Conference was A) Proximity to coastal areas explored by the Portuguese and C) Geographic location of major river streams.
To determine the factor that affected the boundaries drawn by Europeans during the Berlin Conference, we can assess the provided options:
A. Proximity to coastal areas explored by the Portuguese: This factor may have influenced the European powers' interest in coastal regions due to the Portuguese exploration, but it is not directly related to the boundaries drawn during the Berlin Conference.
B. Religious beliefs of African people: While religion plays a crucial role in many aspects of society, it was not a decisive factor in the drawing of boundaries during the Berlin Conference.
C. Geographic location of major river streams: The physical geography of an area, including major river systems, can indeed influence boundary decisions. However, it was not the primary factor considered during the Berlin Conference.
D. Ethnic group identities of majority groups in each region: This is the correct answer. The ethnic group identities of the majority populations in different regions heavily influenced the boundaries drawn during the Berlin Conference. European powers often divided African territories based on the dominance of specific ethnic groups, sometimes leading to ethnic, cultural, and social conflicts that persist to this day.
Therefore, the factor that affected the boundaries drawn by Europeans during the Berlin Conference was the ethnic group identities of majority groups in each region.