Liberia declares independence

Background. The American Colonization Society organized emigration for free people of color from the United States to West Africa. Between 1821 and 1838, the society developed the first settlement known as Liberia. In 1846, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the first black governor, requested the legislature to declare independence while maintaining contacts with the society. In early 1847, the society directed Liberian leadership to declare independence.

Declaration and Constitution. On July 26, 1847, eleven signatories established the free and independent Republic of Liberia. The settlers issued a Declaration of Independence and promulgated a constitution. The United States government declined to make Liberia an American colony but exercised a moral protectorate, intervening when threats manifested towards Liberian territorial expansion or sovereignty.

First Presidency. Joseph Jenkins Roberts, who had served as governor from 1841 to 1848, was elected as the first president of Liberia. He won the first presidential election on October 5, 1847, and was sworn into office on January 3, 1848, with Nathaniel Brander as vice president. Roberts spent the first year of his presidency attempting to attain recognition from the United States.

International Recognition. It took several years for other nations to recognize Liberia's independence. The United Kingdom was the first country to recognize Liberia as an independent country in 1848, followed by France in 1848 or 1852. The United States did not recognize Liberia until February 5, 1862. Roberts traveled to Europe in 1848 to meet heads of state.