Kevin Brennan
Humanities
11/5/05

Liberia, the “Land of the Free:”
Its History, its Political stances, and its Culture

            Liberia is a country in West Africa bordered by Sierra Lione, Guinea, Atlantic Ocean, and Ivory Coast.  It was established in 1822, when a group of freed slaves from America established a colony of “free men of color” on the shore of where Liberia is today.
Liberia was officially declared an independent republic on July 26, 1847, by the freed slaves who had traveled there from America.  The country’s government is based on the democratic system of America, because the “American-Liberians” as they called themselves, to reflect their American heritage.  Although the country had nothing to do with the natives, they were caught in it and while they lived their own lives, were living in Liberia.  The country’s flag, seal, and motto reflected their American background and immigrant experience.  Even though they were the minority at the time, the freed slaves dominated.
The country claimed to be a democracy, but in reality was a large monopoly controlled by the True Whig Party.  In 1926, Liberia was released from its self-imposed isolation, by a grant of a large concession to the American-owned Firestone Plantation Company; that move became one of the first steps in the modernization of Liberia’s economy.  Later on, after World War II, the United States began helping Liberia by providing technical and economic assistance that enabled Liberia to improve its economy, and introduce social change.
On April 12, 1980, a coup d’etat occurred.  It was staged by noncommissioned officers of tribal origins, lead by Master Sergeant Sam Doe.  After the successful coup, Doe and his assistants dubbed themselves the “People’s Redemption Council” and seized control of the government.
Doe elected himself as president, outlawing non-True Whig political parties, newspapers, and holding rigged elections in his favor.  Although he did all that, he also did many things to improve the country’s economy.  He pushed to make strong ties with the USA in the early 80’s by letting them use Liberia’s ports and land, opening up trade routes.
In 1989, there was a civil war, which resulted in the killing of Doe in September 1990, by the forces of faction leader Yormie Johnson and members of the Gio tribe.  The temporary president Amos Sawyer resigned in 1994, giving all power to the Council of State.  Charles Taylor was elected as president in 1997.  He targeted other political parties, and attempted to assassinate Kimmie Weeks, a child rights activist who accused him of training children as soldiers.  His horrible government led to another civil war in 1999, in which more than 20,000 people were estimated to have been killed.  The conflict continued until mid-2003, and increased when it moved closer to Monrovia, the capital.  Pressured by other countries to resign, he took their advice and left Liberia.
Liberia has had bad luck with democracy, but ever since the last civil war, things are looking up.  I hope Liberia learns from their mistakes.
Culture in Liberia is quite different from our culture.  The native tribes are similar to past Native Americans, because they are still living in tribes, having a whole spiritual effect in their lives.  Liberia’s native tribes are very spiritual, having Zoes (witch doctors, shamans, etc.) who play an important role in society, performing cleansing rituals if visitors come (example being that if visitors were to come, they would be afraid that evil spirits had followed, would surround them in a circle, and start chanting,) and living in huts.  In Liberia, they need to be physically fit, in case a snake were to attack them; they need to be in touch with nature, and have the ability to follow their prey.  Music is very important in their country; Highlife music is very popular.  During festivities, weddings, or spiritual events, music that has special meaning is used.  Christian music has been translated to the natives’ language, because of American missionaries; the people mixed it with their own rhythms.
In Liberia, there are “secret societies” for both the men and the women.  In their own secret society, the women are treated as equals; outside of it, they are treated somewhat inferiorly.