Every country is unique and has its own history.

However, many African countries share a similar story over the last 150 years

having gone through European colonization and decolonization.

The nation of Liberia, however, has a history unlike any other country

in the world. From its founding to its modern day governance, the story of the country is truly fascinating. Learn more about the West African country of Liberia and its unique history

on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. The Almost every border between African countries was drawn by a European power.

There was a period known as the scramble for Africa in the 19th century when European countries fought to carve up Africa for themselves.

France, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Spain all had colonies in Africa.

However, there were a few African countries

that managed to escape colonization.

One was Ethiopia, which warrants an episode of its own, and the other was Liberia.

Ethiopia and Liberia couldn't have been more different from each other.

Ethiopia was a kingdom with an ancient rich culture.

Liberia was a republic with an elected government and a largely

imported culture. So what made Liberia so exceptional that it managed to escape

European colonization.

The story actually starts in the United States.

In 1816, an organization known as the Society for the Colonization

of Free People of Color of America was formed.

It later changed its name to just the American colonization society.

The organization was founded by white slave-owning southerners who were concerned about the problem of freed slaves.

Slaves would often be freed by their owners when they died or they would buy their freedom.

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