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Subject: History
Semester: 1
Period: 2
Week: 7
School Name: _______________________________
Teacher’s Name: _______________________________
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 12
Date: ___________________
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 7, Period II
Topic: Foreign Policy of Liberia
Sub-topic: Foreign Policy Objectives – Vital & Non-Vital Interests of Liberia up to 1920; Policies to Pursue These Interests
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define foreign policy and explain its importance to a sovereign state.
- Identify Liberia’s vital and non-vital interests up to 1920.
- Discuss the policies adopted by Liberia to pursue these interests with relevant examples.
- Analyze how Liberia’s small size and vulnerability influenced its foreign policy choices.
Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
- Liberia’s early history and its founding by freed African Americans.
- Liberia’s geographical position in West Africa.
- The meaning of sovereignty and independence.
Instructional Materials
- Textbook: Liberian History for Secondary Schools
- Map of Liberia and West Africa (showing colonial territories around Liberia by 1920).
- Chalkboard/Whiteboard and markers.
- Handouts summarizing Liberia’s foreign policy objectives up to 1920.
- Pictures of historical figures (e.g., Joseph Jenkins Roberts, Edward J. Roye, William Tubman).
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity:
The teacher will ask the class:
- What do you understand by the term foreign policy?
- Why do you think a small nation like Liberia needed foreign policy in the 1800s and early 1900s?
- Can you give examples of things Liberia might have wanted to protect from other nations?
Teacher’s Role:
- Guide a brainstorming session and write students’ responses on the board.
- Correct misconceptions (e.g., students confusing foreign policy with domestic policies).
Learners’ Role:
- Share their prior knowledge and opinions.
- Participate actively in the warm-up discussion.
B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Teacher’s Role & Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
The teacher explains:
- Definition of Foreign Policy
- Foreign policy = the strategies and decisions a country adopts in dealing with other nations to protect its interests.
- Liberia’s Foreign Policy Objectives (up to 1920):
- Vital Interests (necessary for survival):
- Protection of Liberia’s sovereignty & independence (against European colonial encirclement).
- Maintaining territorial integrity (preventing loss of land to Britain and France).
- Securing diplomatic recognition from powerful nations (USA, European powers).
- Ensuring economic survival (trade with foreign merchants).
- Non-Vital Interests (secondary goals):
- Promoting cultural and religious ties with America.
- Expanding trade with Europe and Asia.
- Securing foreign loans for development.
- Policies Adopted to Pursue These Interests:
- Diplomacy: Sending envoys to Europe and America for recognition.
- Treaties: Signing treaties with Britain, France, and the USA to fix boundaries and avoid war.
- Appeals for Protection: Asking the USA to act as a “protector,” though USA refused formally.
- Trade policies: Encouraging foreign merchants to settle and trade in Liberia (although sometimes exploitative).
- Loans: Borrowing money from foreign countries (e.g., the 1871 British loan).
Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
- Students take notes from teacher’s explanation.
- Small group activity: Each group lists one vital and one non-vital interest of Liberia and how the government tried to protect it.
- Role-play: One student plays a Liberian president (e.g., Joseph J. Roberts) negotiating with Britain, while others act as British officials.
Assessment Checks (During Lesson):
- Teacher asks: “Which of Liberia’s foreign policy objectives would you classify as vital? Why?”
- Quick oral quiz: “What is one policy Liberia used to maintain its independence?”
C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
- Foreign policy helps a country protect both vital and non-vital interests.
- Liberia’s vital interests up to 1920 included sovereignty, recognition, and territorial protection.
- Policies used: diplomacy, treaties, appeals, trade relations, and loans.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Students will write short answers to:
- Define foreign policy.
- State two of Liberia’s vital interests up to 1920.
- Mention one policy Liberia used to secure its independence.
Teacher will collect and review answers quickly, then give oral feedback.
Assignment (Expanded)
- Write a one-page essay on: Why was Liberia’s sovereignty considered its most important foreign policy objective?
- Draw a map of Liberia up to 1920 showing at least two areas of territorial disputes with Britain or France.
Follow-up Activity
- Next class will focus on how foreign policy is formulated and implemented in Liberia. Students should read pp. ___ of their textbook in preparation.
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
- Struggling Learners: Teacher provides guiding questions and simplified notes on vital vs. non-vital interests.
- Advanced Learners: Conduct independent research on one foreign loan Liberia took before 1920 and its impact.
- Students with Disabilities: Provide printed materials with key points; group support during role-play.
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
- What worked well? __________________________________________
- What needs improvement? ____________________________________
- Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low
- Next steps: Reinforce policies adopted with case studies of treaties and disputes in Week 8.