The answer is B: partition Africa.
Explanation for each option:
A. Isolate Africa - This is incorrect. The Berlin Conference was not about isolating Africa from the rest of the world. Instead, it was about how European powers could divide and control African territories.
B. Partition Africa - This is correct. The main goal of the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was to establish rules for the partitioning of Africa among European powers. The conference aimed to prevent conflict between European nations by clearly delineating their respective spheres of influence and control in Africa.
C. Abandon Africa - This is incorrect. The conference was not about abandoning Africa but rather about formalizing European claims to African territories.
D. Liberate Africa - This is incorrect. The Berlin Conference did not aim to liberate Africa. Instead, it facilitated European colonization and control over African lands.
The Berlin Conference, held in Berlin, Germany, from November 1884 to February 1885, was attended by representatives from 14 European countries and the United States. It resulted in the General Act of the Berlin Conference, which laid down the rules for the colonization and trade in Africa, leading to the "Scramble for Africa."