In Class Primary Source Analysis, Excerpt from the Berlin Conference General Act.

Act of Navigation for the Congo

1. What would benefit the navigation of the Congo if the tariff was imposed?

Answer: Tariffs would help benefit local establishments on the Congo (Article 19). The tariffs would be calculated accordingly, which would allow for parties and nations to be treated equally (Article 19). The addition of tariffs would allow for the river to be policed. Then if the rules are broken there is an international commission that would review it.

Reason for question 1: The topic of tariffs is important because it is showing why money would be needed, and what exactly the money is going towards. Article 19 gives an explanation.

2. How is the commision going to regulate the navigation of the Congo?

Answer: The commision will draw up navigation for the routes. There will be police to regulate the waters of the Congo as well as pilot and quarantine rules. The rights are based on the county that an individual is from.

Reason for question 2: Question two touches and focuses on the routes trading would have taken place. The rules are also established for who would be responsible for what (ex. Police, amount of taxes, fines, what goods can be transported, etc..).