The Administrations of Seven Selected Liberian Presidents (1847 - 1990)

Grade 12 · History

Semester 1 | Period 3 | Week 15

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Subject: History

Semester: 1

Period: 3

Week: 15

School Name: ____________________________
Teacher’s Name: ____________________________
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 12
Date: Week 15
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 15, Period III
Topic: The Administrations of Seven Selected Liberian Presidents (1847–1990)
Sub-topic: William V.S. Tubman – The “Unification & Growth Era”

 

Learning Objectives

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

  1. State the term of office of William V.S. Tubman.
  2. Explain the Unification Policy and its significance.
  3. Describe the Open Door Policy and its economic impact.
  4. Assess Tubman’s contributions to Liberia’s growth and regional leadership.

 

Previous Knowledge

Students already know:

  • Arthur Barclay and Charles D.B. King’s contributions and policies.
  • The challenges of indigenous integration and economic stability in early Liberia.

 

Instructional Materials

  • Textbook: Liberian History for Secondary Schools
  • Timeline chart of presidents
  • Map of Liberia showing development projects (roads, seaports)
  • Students’ notebooks

 

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)

Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity:

  • Teacher asks:
  1. “What do you think happens when a country has one president for more than 25 years?”
  2. “Why might a leader want to unify people of different backgrounds?”
  • Short class discussion on leadership and unity.

Teacher’s Role: Guide students to link the questions with Liberia’s need for unity and modernization during Tubman’s time.

Learners’ Role: Share their thoughts and expectations about long-serving presidents.

 

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role:

  • Deliver key points on Tubman’s leadership.
  • Use examples of projects and policies.
  • Ask guiding questions to engage students.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Listen and take notes.
  • Work in groups to list Tubman’s economic and social achievements.
  • Participate in a short debate: “Was Tubman’s long stay in power good or bad for Liberia?”

 

Notes (Expanded):

William V.S. Tubman (1944–1971)

  • Term of Office: 1944–1971 (27 years – longest-serving Liberian president).

Major Policies & Contributions:

  1. Unification Policy
    • Aimed at bridging the gap between Americo-Liberians and indigenous Liberians.
    • Extended citizenship, voting rights, and opportunities to indigenous people.
    • Encouraged integration in governance, education, and military.
  2. Open Door Policy
    • Attracted foreign investments (mining, agriculture, rubber, iron ore).
    • Liberia experienced rapid economic growth and modernization.
    • Built seaports, roads, hospitals, and schools.
  3. Growth and Development
    • Economy grew at one of the fastest rates in Africa (1950s–60s).
    • Expanded Monrovia and developed Harper, his hometown.
    • Increased Liberia’s international influence.
  4. Regional & International Role
    • Founding father of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.
    • Maintained strong relations with the U.S. and Western allies during the Cold War.

Challenges / Criticisms:

  • Over-centralization of power.
  • Limited true political freedom (opposition was weak).
  • Economic growth benefited elites more than the rural poor.

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Summary:

  • Tubman ruled for 27 years (1944–1971).
  • His Unification Policy reduced the divide between Americo-Liberians and indigenous people.
  • His Open Door Policy brought foreign investment and rapid economic growth.
  • He played a major role in Pan-Africanism (OAU).

Evaluation Method:

  • Oral questions:
  1. What was the Unification Policy?
  2. Name one achievement of Tubman under the Open Door Policy.
  3. Which regional body did Tubman help to establish in 1963?

 

Assignment (Expanded):

  1. Write a two-page essay on Tubman’s Unification Policy:
    Its aims
    ii. Its achievements
    iii. Its limitations
  2. Draw a timeline (1944–1971) showing Tubman’s key achievements.
  3. Research and report: What role did Tubman play in the founding of the OAU?

 

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies

  • Struggling Learners: Use guided notes with highlighted keywords (Unification, Open Door, OAU).
  • Advanced Learners: Explore criticisms of Tubman’s policies and present in class.
  • Students with Disabilities: Use visuals, charts, and oral explanations for clarity.

 

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class):

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