The Administrations of Selected Liberian Presidents (1847 - 1990)

Grade 12 · History

Semester 1 | Period 3 | Week 13

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Subject: History

Semester: 1

Period: 3

Week: 13

School Name: ___________________________
Teacher’s Name: _________________________
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 12
Date: Week 13
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 13, Period III
Topic: The Administrations of Selected Liberian Presidents (1847–1990)
Sub-topic: Joseph Jenkins Roberts & Daniel E. Howard

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. State the terms of office of Joseph Jenkins Roberts and Daniel E. Howard.
  2. Describe the policies each president pursued toward national cohesion and growth.
  3. Analyze the unique contributions of Roberts and Howard to Liberia’s socio-economic development.

 

Previous Knowledge

Students already know:

  • Liberia declared independence in 1847 and had a republican form of government.
  • The challenges of early Liberian statehood (economic struggles, relations with indigenous people, foreign recognition).

 

Instructional Materials

  • Textbook: Liberian History for Secondary Schools
  • Teaching aids: Liberia map (1847–1920), pictures of Roberts and Howard, timeline chart of presidents.
  • Students’ notebooks and writing materials.

 

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Activity:

  • Teacher asks:
  1. “Who was the first president of Liberia?”
  2. “What challenges do you think early presidents faced in keeping the young nation united?”
  • Teacher records answers on the board.

Teacher’s Role: Guide a brainstorming session, correct misconceptions, and introduce Roberts & Howard as case studies.

Learner’s Role:

  • Share prior knowledge of Liberia’s independence.
  • Participate actively in discussion.

 

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role:

  • Present structured explanations with examples, supported by visuals.
  • Pose guiding questions for analysis.
  • Encourage group activities for deeper understanding.

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  • Take notes from teacher explanations.
  • Work in small groups to compare Roberts’ and Howard’s leadership.
  • Answer assessment questions orally and in writing.

 

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  1. Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876)
  • Term of Office:
    • First tenure: 1848–1856
    • Second tenure: 1872–1876
  • Policies toward Cohesion and Growth:
    • Promoted agriculture as the backbone of the economy.
    • Pursued recognition of Liberia’s independence by Britain, France, and other European nations.
    • Encouraged trade with foreign nations to strengthen the economy.
  • Unique Contributions:
    • Secured Liberia’s recognition in 1848 by Britain and later other European countries.
    • Expanded the nation’s territory by treaties with indigenous groups.
    • Established the foundations of Liberia’s diplomacy.
  1. Daniel Edward Howard (1861–1935)
  • Term of Office:
    • 1912–1920
  • Policies toward Cohesion and Growth:
    • Worked to maintain Liberia’s independence during the First World War.
    • Tried to improve financial stability with foreign loans.
    • Promoted closer cooperation with the League of Nations.
  • Unique Contributions:
    • Declared war on Germany in 1917, aligning Liberia with the Allies.
    • Hosted the first Pan-African Congress delegates who visited Liberia.
    • Struggled with the economic crisis and resistance from indigenous communities but preserved Liberia’s sovereignty.

 

Assessment Checks (during lesson):

  1. Who was Liberia’s first president, and when did he serve?
  2. What foreign powers recognized Liberia under Roberts?
  3. Which war took place during Daniel E. Howard’s presidency?
  4. Compare one policy of Roberts with one policy of Howard.

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Summary:

  • Roberts: First president, promoted foreign recognition, trade, and expansion.
  • Howard: Led during WWI, defended independence, faced economic challenges.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):

  • Exit slip/quiz (students write short answers):
  1. State one achievement of Joseph Jenkins Roberts.
  2. What global event shaped Howard’s administration?
  3. How did both leaders promote Liberia’s survival?
  • Teacher reviews answers and gives oral feedback.

 

Assignment (Expanded):

  1. Write a one-page essay comparing Roberts and Howard’s leadership styles.
  2. Create a timeline of Roberts and Howard’s terms of office with key events.
  3. Interview a parent/elder: Ask what they know about Liberia’s early presidents and summarize findings.

 

Follow-up Activity:

  • Students will prepare short presentations (2–3 minutes) on how Roberts or Howard’s policies are still relevant today.

 

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies

  • Struggling Learners: Provide simplified handouts with timelines and key points.
  • Advanced Learners: Research Liberia’s international relations during Roberts’ and Howard’s presidencies.
  • Students with Disabilities: Pair with peers for group activities; provide large-print notes where necessary.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class):

  • What worked well? ___________________________________________
  • What needs improvement? _____________________________________
  • Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low