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

"History of Liberia" by J. H. T. McPherson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This book explores the foundation and development of the Republic of Liberia, detailing its significance as a colonization movement aimed at providing a home for free blacks from America. The author presents a narrative that not only chronicles the events leading up to the establishment of Liberia but also examines the political and cultural implications of colonization on both sides of the Atlantic. McPherson outlines the colonization idea, beginning with early efforts in the 18th century and culminating in the founding of Liberia in the 1820s. He discusses the challenges faced by the colonists, including hostility from native tribes, environmental hardships, and the influences of slavery. The book emphasizes the unique experiment of establishing a republic governed by freed and liberated blacks, analyzing various figures who played pivotal roles in this journey, such as Elijah Johnson and Joseph Jenkins Roberts. McPherson concludes by highlighting Liberia's potential as a beacon of hope for African civilization and as a solution to the "Negro Problem" in America, encouraging an understanding of the historical context that shaped this ambitious colonization project.