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Subject: History
Semester: 1
Period: 3
Week: 14
School Name: ____________________________
Teacher’s Name: ____________________________
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 12
Date: Week 14
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 14, Period III
Topic: The Administrations of Seven Selected Liberian Presidents (1847–1990)
Sub-topic: Arthur Barclay & Charles D.B. King
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- State the terms of office of Arthur Barclay and Charles D.B. King.
- Explain the policies each pursued toward national cohesion and growth.
- Discuss the unique contributions and controversies surrounding their administrations.
- Compare their leadership styles and assess their impact on Liberia’s development.
Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
- Liberia’s founding presidents and early challenges (Joseph J. Roberts, Daniel E. Howard).
- The role of policies in shaping national unity and growth.
Instructional Materials
- Textbook: Liberian History for Secondary Schools
- Teaching aids: Chart showing timelines of Liberian presidents, Map of Liberia
- Students’ notebooks and writing materials
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity:
- Teacher asks:
- “Why do you think the policies of presidents affect national unity?”
- “What problems do you think Liberia faced in the early 1900s?”
- Teacher writes responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role:
Guide discussion on Liberia’s needs in the early 20th century (debt, indigenous relations, modernization).
Learners’ Role:
- Share prior knowledge about early presidents.
- Participate actively in brainstorming.
B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Teacher’s Role:
- Present structured notes on each president.
- Give examples, ask guiding questions, and explain with timelines and maps.
- Facilitate short group activities.
Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
- Listen and take notes.
- Work in pairs to summarize differences between Barclay and King.
- Participate in mini-class debate on “Which president contributed more to Liberia’s growth?”
Assessment Checks (Formative):
- Oral questioning after each sub-section.
- Group summary reports.
- Quick written quiz: Name one policy of Arthur Barclay and one policy of Charles D.B. King.
Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
Arthur Barclay (1904–1912)
- Term of Office: 1904–1912
- Policies:
- Economic reforms to stabilize Liberia’s finances.
- Improved administration and revenue collection.
- Reorganized the Liberian frontier force to extend authority into the hinterland.
- Contributions:
- Strengthened central government authority.
- Promoted infrastructure development (roads, administrative buildings).
- Introduced reforms that began integrating the hinterland population.
- Challenges:
- Resistance from indigenous groups.
- Limited resources to enforce policies.
Charles D.B. King (1920–1930)
- Term of Office: 1920–1930
- Policies:
- Encouraged foreign investments (e.g., Firestone Rubber concession in 1926).
- Promoted international recognition of Liberia’s independence.
- Contributions:
- Attracted Firestone, which boosted Liberia’s economy and job opportunities.
- Expanded trade and foreign relations.
- Controversies:
- Forced labor scandal (1930): led to League of Nations investigation.
- Corruption and electoral fraud (1927 election considered one of the most fraudulent in history).
- Outcome:
- Resigned under pressure in 1930.
C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
- Arthur Barclay: economic reforms, administrative improvements, frontier authority.
- Charles D.B. King: foreign investment (Firestone), trade growth, but marred by forced labor scandal.
- Both shaped Liberia, but King’s presidency is often remembered for corruption.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
- Exit slip/quiz: Students answer:
- Name one major policy of Arthur Barclay.
- What year did Charles D.B. King resign and why?
- Teacher collects, reviews, and provides oral feedback.
Assignment (Expanded):
- Write a one-page essay comparing Arthur Barclay and Charles D.B. King in terms of:
Economic policies
ii. Relations with indigenous groups
iii. Foreign relations - Interview an elder/community leader: ask what they know about Firestone’s role in Liberia and bring feedback to class.
- Prepare a short timeline chart (1904–1930) showing major events in their administrations.
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
- Struggling Learners: Use guided notes and simplified handouts with timelines.
- Advanced Learners: Research deeper into the 1927 elections and present findings.
- Students with Disabilities: Provide visual aids (maps, charts) and extra oral explanations.
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class):
- What worked well? ____________________________________________
- What needs improvement? ______________________________________
- Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low