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The American Colonization Society established the colony of Liberia in 1817, with an appointed governor.[1] ACS established a government, called the Commonwealth of Liberia.[1] The British did not acknowledge Liberian customs as the colony was not independent. [1] The ACS gave the colonies their independence after a referendum achieved a majority vote in October of 1846.[1] Liberian constitution was then ratified in July 26, 1847 allowing Liberia to become a sovereign state.[1]


From an American perspective, colonists emphasized the idea of Manifest Destiny to explain the potential expansion of the colony.[2] The ACS's focus on African colonization and the development of Liberia changed American debates regarding for slavery, antislavery, and racial ideology.[2] When framing the American conversation regarding radicalized conceptions of democracy it remains imperative to define Liberian sovereignty. [2] African colonization in this case met black inclusion and advocated for black citizenship in a republic that would mirror the United States.[2] Liberia found itself in the middle of an inflection point in history as both the concepts of colonization and slavery appeared to be impacted internationally.[2] Liberia was looking to secure its own freedom and ensure that it could support a new political society that originated from a racially charged sentiment.[1] Liberia's sovereignty arc was destined to parallel that of the United States narrative, built on the principles of a republic government that offered the prospect of western civilization on the African continent.[2] The Independence Referendum allowed for the creation of a society that were to civilize and become inclusive to native Africans.[2] The creation of the society necessary to resolve conflict as the ACS and settlers were defining Liberian legal status.[2]



Background[edit]

*After paragraph 2

The ACS and American-Africans mutually agreed that Liberia was its own separate entity. The colony needed some form of formal process to realize its statehood.[3] Even before, declaring independence the ACS was helping Liberia draft a constitution.[3] The first referendum for independence occurred in November of 1846. The general population was badly split. The referendum relied on more information from legislature to make an adequate decision. Members of both sides decided to present arguments to sway votes.[3]

British Influence[edit]

British influence in Western Africa continued to expand when Sierra Leone was absorbed by Britain. Britain looked to expand its influence into more of Western African.[4] Colonists were pushed as their sovereignty was threatened by British traders. They attempted to attack their claims on their biggest source of revenues, custom duties.[4] American-Africans utilized this opportunity to consolidate support and establish independence to become a full taxing authority. After settling differences with Britain, Liberia aided Britain in the illegal slave trade.[5] Due to close relations in Western Africa, Britain was the first country to recognize Liberian independence.[6]

Other Threats to Independence[edit]

Internally, Liberia struggled in establishing society as discrimination occurred between African-American, African tribes, Europeans, and Mulattoes.[7] Socioeconomic classes divided interests for the development of Liberia. Externally, other international powers were looking to take advantage of Liberian resources. European diplomats looked to threaten Liberia's sovereignty.[7] Establishing a strong tie to the United States proved vital for survival. Imperialism threaten to damage internal land claims.[7] Establishing colonial authority with the help of the ACS proved vital for Liberia's future.[7]

Legislative History[edit]

The early legislature struggled to divide itself from the American Colonization society.[8] Independence was an after thought as these African-Americans attempted to establish themselves on the Pepper Coast.[8] The assistance of the ACS was necessary for the colony continue.[8] As previously noted, early colonies struggled to establish themselves from the indigenous groups. Monrovia's development allowed for the legislature and the state to development[8]. Rumblings of independence only grew starting in the late 1830s and early 1840s after industry and prices.[8] Starting in 1845, the Liberian colonies recognized that independence from the ACS was necessary to achieve their next step- independence. Fever for independence continued to grow as Liberian government wished to ensure freedom for its citizens. Government meetings in 1846 continued to embrace conversations of independence.[8]

Governor Joseph Roberts continued to press the conversation of independence. In 1846, the Declaration of Independence was authorized by the vote pictured in "Results" section. The Liberian Independence Referendum took so long as the government attempt to rationalize why it wanted independence.[8] It was not only declaring independence but also convincing legislative constituents that independence was necessary.[8] The legislature took due process in convincing that the only way to conserve freeman rights was to separate itself from the United States.[8] Individuals presented arguments and looked towards shaping Liberia's future. By July 1847, a vote was in order. [8]

Ramifications of Vote[edit]

In September, officers held an election for president and vice president.[8] Much like in July, votes were abstained in this election.[8] In October, the convention met to act on the July vote and draft a constitution. [8] Opposition persisted as they rationalized that the ACS had other motives for their land and property.[8] Opposition wishes to secure ownership to strengthen sovereignty.

Drafts of Liberia's new Constitution were very similar to the U.S Constitution. [8] A majority approved the Constitution. The new government was not able to broker a deal that included the land claims for the provinces. [8] They sent a Declaration of Independence signed by President and Governor, Roberts.[8] After, the Flag and other important aspects of legislature and political society were created.

The flag symbolized the historic vote and commemorated the founding fathers of the colony[7]. The country was happy to rid itself from merchant power.[7] Liberia's freedom ensured that racial tension would be released with the help from economic and political futures.[7] Liberia's independence referendum satisfied sovereignty desires and ensured political freedom from other prevailing powers.[7]

Process[edit]

A vote was first held by by citizens to ratify the Constitution.[8] Then it went for approval from legislative officers and counties. [8] The Constitutional and independence referendum developed the Liberian government and allowed Liberia to trace its sovereignty history.

Liberian officers were appointed annually.[8] Elections were highly organized for specific positions, ranging from sheriff to a treasurer and various commissioners. [8] Positions were well defined, including colonial officers, vice agent, agent, counsellors, high sheriff, secretary of the colony, register, treasurer, various commissioners, censors, judiciary, and other various clerks and positions. [8] The process was essentially for developing society in Liberia.

Legitimacy of Vote[edit]

During the 27th election, the constitution was being voted on by the commissioners.[8] The country was torn on their thoughts on independence. Counties, like Bassa Cove, Bexley, and Edina, had reduced or no participation.[8] A small vote would weaken Liberia's legitimate claim on sovereignty. These counties achieved their intent as confusion and anarchy erupted.[8] In the end, the people and delegates approved the Constitution in the convention.[8] The constitution resulted in new administrative subdivisions.[8] It made sure to trace its sovereignty to the colonies first settlers.[8]

Remembrance[edit]

In modern times, July 26th is remembered and celebrated by Liberians everywhere. [9] In America, Liberians utilize this date as the evolution of their relationship between the United States and Liberia. [9] They point to this date as historical tie to Liberia and the United States. [9]

Liberian cultural dances are showcased during a performance in Pennsylvania dedicated to Liberian Independence Day. [10]

Liberian Independence day usually has a music festival and a theme.d[11] Individuals celebrating Liberian Independence Day in Maple Grove, Minnesota are using the theme "Music in in Unity" to showcase Liberian culture.[11] Other communities around the United States continue to participate in these events, such as Pennsylvanian communities.[10]Domestically, Liberian Independence Day is one of most recognized and celebrated holidays, alongside New Year's, Pioneer's Day, Armed Forces Day, African Liberation Day, Flag Day, and Thanksgiving Day.[12]


References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Peaslee, Amos (1956). Constitutions of Nations Volume Ii France to New Zealand. Brill Archive.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Mills, Brandon (2014). "The United States of Africa": Liberian Independence and the Contested Meaning of a Black Republic". Journal of the Early Republic. 34 (1): 79–107. doi:10.1353/jer.2014.0012. ISSN 0275-1275. JSTOR 24486932.
  3. ^ a b c Sullivan, Jo (1980). "Liberian Studies Journal". Liberian Studies Journal. 9: 51-124.
  4. ^ a b "Maps of Liberia, 1830 to 1870". Library of Congress. Retrieved March 24, 2020.History.com Editors (July 21, 2010). "Liberian independence proclaimed".
  5. ^ History.com. Archived from the original on |archive-url= requires |archive-date= (help). Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  6. ^ Abasiattai, Monday (1992). "The Search for Independence: New World Blacks in Sierra Leone and Liberia, 1787-1847". JSTOR. 23: 107–116 – via JSTOR.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Cavanagh 1, Veracini 2, Edward 1, Lorenzo 2 (2016). The Routledge Handbook of the History of Settler Colonialism. Taylor & Francis,. pp. 1–470. ISBN 9781134828470.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Huberich, Charles (1947). Politicial and Legislative History of Liberia. Central Book Co.
  9. ^ a b c Goins, Sonya (2019). "RESIDENTS CELEBRATE LIBERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY". CCX Media. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Liberian Independence Day Celebration 2019". RECAP. Retrieved March 30, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ a b "Liberian Independence Day Music Festival". Maple Grove. July 20, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ Department of Commerce, United States (1971). Commerce Today. Michigan State University: U.S. Department of Commerce. p. 54.
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