The Berlin Conference of 1884–85 was convened in order to regularize the carving up of Africa among the European colonial powers. This would ensure, it was hoped, that these powers would not engage in disputes with one another that could easily lead to the outbreak of armed conflict.

As well as all the European colonial powers—such as Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany—the United States was also represented at the Conference. This was despite the fact that the country had no colonies in Africa. However, the United States did have commercial interests in Africa that its government was keen to protect. This made the United States an interested party in any formalization of the colonial project.

Even though the United States didn't have any colonies in Africa, it could still be said to be a colonial power in the economic sense in that American companies were actively involved in the exploitation of Africa's wealth and natural resources, which brought considerable profits to those involved. It was in the interests of the United States, therefore, that the so-called "Scramble for Africa" was placed upon a more orderly footing.

The invitation of the United States to attend the Berlin Conference was a recognition of American colonial interests in Africa as well as an acknowledgment of America's growing power and influence on the international stage.