Liberia

Introduction

This paper is about a small country on the west coast of Africa called Liberia. It is a country built with the help of The American Colonization Society. I was established to place freed blacks in the days of slavery in the United States in the 1800s. The government was modeled after of the United Stats. Monrovia, the capital and principal, port is named after a president of the united states James Monroe. This country has historical significance for african Americans. As Africa's oldest republic, established by former black American slaves, Liberia played and important role as a model for African colones seeking independence.

LIBERIA

HISTORY

Liberia's tribal peoples migrated to the area between the

12th and 16th centuries. The Portuguese arrived in 1461 and began a trade in ivory, pepper, and later in slaves. In 1820, the first colonists arrived. Their successful settlement was named Monrovia in 1824.

United States

English: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3c09953

United States

More colonists gradually arrived and established separate colonies. In 1847 the colonies united and Liberia became the first independent republic in black Africa.

The new nation faced many problems. Some of them were tribal wars, low exports, and land claimed by other countries. Liberia was able to maintain its independence only with the help of the United States. Following World War II, the modern port, airport, hospitals, hydroelectric station, and other projects, all financed by the United States, were opened. There has been frequent military conflicts and civil wars. In August 1990, forces from several African countries entered Liberia to try and stop the bloody civil wars. The fighting only became worse and the Prospects of a negotiated settlement were dim.

LAND AND RESOURCES

Liberia's straight sandy coast is 350 miles long. It is broken by lagoons and mangrove swamps. It gives way to a low rolling plain about 20...