History of Liberia Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science By: John Hanson Thomas McPherson (1865-)
In John Hanson Thomas McPherson's History of Liberia, readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through the rich historical and political landscape of this West African country. Part of the esteemed Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science, McPherson's work stands out as an authoritative reference for anyone seeking a deep understanding of Liberia's past. The book starts by delving into the origins of Liberia, exploring its establishment as a colony by the American Colonization Society in the early 19th century. McPherson meticulously examines how this colonization effort led to the settlement of freed American slaves and freeborn African Americans on the African continent. Through his vivid storytelling, he paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs these settlers faced, crafting a nuanced narrative that goes beyond mere historical documentation. One of McPherson's strengths is his ability to present a balanced view of Liberia's complex history. He critically examines key events, such as the declaration of independence in 1847 and subsequent periods of political instability, shedding light on the underlying factors that shaped Liberia's trajectory. By skillfully intertwining political, social, and economic changes, the author captures the essence of Liberia's development as a nation. Moreover, McPherson skillfully incorporates primary sources, from official government records to personal accounts, to support his analysis throughout the book. This not only adds credibility to his research but also gives readers a firsthand glimpse into the experiences of those who lived during pivotal moments in Liberia's history. While the book's depth and attention to detail affirm its value as an academic resource, it may pose a challenge for casual readers seeking a more accessible introduction to Liberian history. McPherson's writing style leans toward the academic, occasionally using specialized terminology or assuming prior knowledge of historical events. However, for readers willing to invest time and effort, the payoff is a comprehensive understanding of Liberia's past. In conclusion, John Hanson Thomas McPherson's History of Liberia is an invaluable contribution to the field of Liberian studies. Through meticulous research and analysis, the author successfully brings to life the complex historical and political processes that have shaped this significant African nation. Although it may require some perseverance on the part of readers less familiar with academic writing, this book is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone seeking an in-depth exploration of Liberia's captivating history. First Page: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCE HERBERT B. ADAMS, Editor History is past Politics and Politics present History Freeman NINTH SERIES X HISTORY OF LIBERIA BY J.H.T. McPHERSON, Ph.D. Fellow in History, Johns Hopkins University, 1889; Instructor in History, University of Michigan, 1890; Professor of History and Politics, University of Georgia, 1891. 1891 CONTENTS. I. INTRODUCTION II. THE COLONIZATION IDEA III. THE COLONIZATION MOVEMENT IV. MARYLAND IN LIBERIA V. THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA VI. THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF COLONIZATION 1. As a Southern Movement toward Emancipation 2. As a Check to the Slave Trade 3. As a Step toward the Civilization of Africa 4. As a Missionary Effort 5. As a Refuge to the Negro from the Pressure of Increasing Competition in America AUTHORITIES PREFATORY NOTE. This paper claims to be scarcely more than a brief sketch. It is an abridgment of a History of Liberia in much greater detail, presented as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Johns Hopkins University. I have devoted the leisure hours of several years to the accumulation of materials, which I hope will prove the basis of a larger work in the future... Continue reading book >>

History of Liberia Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science By: John Hanson Thomas McPherson (1865-)

In John Hanson Thomas McPherson's History of Liberia, readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through the rich historical and political landscape of this West African country. Part of the esteemed Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science, McPherson's work stands out as an authoritative reference for anyone seeking a deep understanding of Liberia's past.

The book starts by delving into the origins of Liberia, exploring its establishment as a colony by the American Colonization Society in the early 19th century. McPherson meticulously examines how this colonization effort led to the settlement of freed American slaves and freeborn African Americans on the African continent. Through his vivid storytelling, he paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs these settlers faced, crafting a nuanced narrative that goes beyond mere historical documentation.

One of McPherson's strengths is his ability to present a balanced view of Liberia's complex history. He critically examines key events, such as the declaration of independence in 1847 and subsequent periods of political instability, shedding light on the underlying factors that shaped Liberia's trajectory. By skillfully intertwining political, social, and economic changes, the author captures the essence of Liberia's development as a nation.

Moreover, McPherson skillfully incorporates primary sources, from official government records to personal accounts, to support his analysis throughout the book. This not only adds credibility to his research but also gives readers a firsthand glimpse into the experiences of those who lived during pivotal moments in Liberia's history.

While the book's depth and attention to detail affirm its value as an academic resource, it may pose a challenge for casual readers seeking a more accessible introduction to Liberian history. McPherson's writing style leans toward the academic, occasionally using specialized terminology or assuming prior knowledge of historical events. However, for readers willing to invest time and effort, the payoff is a comprehensive understanding of Liberia's past.

In conclusion, John Hanson Thomas McPherson's History of Liberia is an invaluable contribution to the field of Liberian studies. Through meticulous research and analysis, the author successfully brings to life the complex historical and political processes that have shaped this significant African nation. Although it may require some perseverance on the part of readers less familiar with academic writing, this book is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone seeking an in-depth exploration of Liberia's captivating history.

First Page:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

HERBERT B. ADAMS, Editor

History is past Politics and Politics present History Freeman

NINTH SERIES

HISTORY OF LIBERIA

BY J.H.T. McPHERSON, Ph.D.

Fellow in History, Johns Hopkins University, 1889; Instructor in History, University of Michigan, 1890; Professor of History and Politics, University of Georgia, 1891.

1891

CONTENTS.

I. INTRODUCTION II. THE COLONIZATION IDEA III. THE COLONIZATION MOVEMENT IV. MARYLAND IN LIBERIA V. THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA VI. THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF COLONIZATION 1. As a Southern Movement toward Emancipation 2. As a Check to the Slave Trade 3. As a Step toward the Civilization of Africa 4. As a Missionary Effort 5. As a Refuge to the Negro from the Pressure of Increasing Competition in America AUTHORITIES

PREFATORY NOTE.

This paper claims to be scarcely more than a brief sketch. It is an abridgment of a History of Liberia in much greater detail, presented as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Johns Hopkins University. I have devoted the leisure hours of several years to the accumulation of materials, which I hope will prove the basis of a larger work in the future... Continue reading book >>

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