What is meant by the phrase the scramble for Africans?

The phrase "the scramble for Africa" refers to the rapid invasion, colonization, and partition of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century, particularly between the 1880s and World War I. It was characterized by a rush to claim land and resources, often without regard for indigenous populations or existing political boundaries. This period was marked by the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European nations formalized their claims and divided the continent among themselves, leading to significant social, economic, and political upheaval in Africa.