History of Liberia Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science

"History of Liberia" by J. H. T. McPherson offers a comprehensive look into the creation and growth of Liberia as a homeland for freed African Americans in the 1800s. The book recounts the early efforts to establish a colony for free blacks, tracing the path from initial concepts in the 1700s to the formal founding of Liberia in the 1820s. It sheds light on the many difficulties that newcomers to the land encountered, such as conflicts with local tribes, harsh living conditions, and the continuous influence of slavery. Centered around the idea of starting a republic run by formerly enslaved individuals, the book also looks at important people like Elijah Johnson and Joseph Jenkins Roberts who helped shape Liberia. McPherson wraps up by suggesting that Liberia could show promise for African advancement and ease the "Negro Problem" in America, supporting the ambition of colonization.