PHOTO: The Author
By George M. Woodtor, geotgethegreat71@gmail.com
Pennsylvania, USA
Tel.: +4 484 943 1396
Liberia, formerly called the “Grain Coast” during the 18th Century, is a tiny nation on the West Coast of Africa; bordered by Sierra Leone (a former British colony) to the west, Guinea (a former French colony) to the north, and Côte d’Ivoire (another former French colony) to the east. Its capital city, Monrovia named in honor of the United States’ 5th President, James Monroe, is situated along the Atlantic coast.
Liberia, on the continent of Africa is the second oldest Black republic in the world and the first independent nation on the African continent. She gained her independence on July 26, 1847. This nation was founded by the U. S. through the American Colonization Society (ACS), established in 1816.
The strategic importance of Liberia to the United States from a historical perspective, can be measured by the following:
Conduit to Access Africa: During the 18th Century, the United States through the American Colonization Society (ACS) established the colony of Liberia in 1822 as a conduit to gain access to the continent of Africa, not only to settle freed slaves, but to also carry out trade.
Economic Interests: The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was established in Liberia in 1926 by an American named Harvey Firestone to secure an American-controlled, independent natural rubber source, breaking the British/Dutch monopoly in Southeast Asia. The mission, supported by the U.S. government, involved a 99-year lease for over 1 million acres, leading to the creation of the world’s largest contiguous rubber plantation (Harbel). This investment helped to significantly boost the American economy.
Strategic & Geopolitical Positioning: Liberia has historically served as a key ally of the United States in West Africa, hosting U.S. military assets, including communication facilities and hosting allied bases during World War II. The Roberts International Airport (RIA) was built in Liberia by the United States in the early 1940s during World War II to serve as a critical strategic military airbase. The Airport was essential for refueling Allied aircraft, patrolling the Atlantic against German submarines, and securing rubber supplies from the local Firestone plantation.
Diplomatic Alignment: Historically, Liberia had aligned with the U.S. on key United Nations General Assembly votes, supporting U.S. interests, including on issues related to Israel.
Shared History and Influence: Founded by freed American slaves, Liberia shares deep cultural ties with the U.S., making it a close, reliable stepchild. The country was used by the U.S. as a laboratory for democratic and social development in Africa. Almost everything about Liberia is a photocopy of what the United States does. Its Constitution, Government Structure, Flag, Pledge, Corporate Models, etc. were copied after the United States.
To be continued.