Liberia: The Quest For Democracy

Liberia was founded in 1822 by a private American philanthropic society as a refuge for American black slaves. The political history of the country has been dominated by the ruling policy of the resettled blacks, their relationships with the sixteen indigenous tribal groups, and a sustained and in-depth relationship with the United States. Liberia is a unique country with a problem-plagued history. A small minority created a colonial, caste-like relationship with the indigenous tribes, employing many of the tactics used by the British, French, and other imperialists. The Americo-Liberians extended their jurisdiction over the tribal hinterland through military force, taxation, indirect rule, and tight control over economic and religious contacts with the outside world. What might be called democratic reform did not begin until the long tenure of President William Tubman (1944-1971). J. Gus Liebenow is a pioneer in the study of African politics in general and of Liberia in particular. He offers us here a detailed political and economic history of Liberia from its origins through the 1980 coup and the current turmoil brought on by the military regime of Master Sergeant Samuel Doe. This book is for African as well as Western students who want to know about Liberia--its strengths, problems, economics, and politics.