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

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Subject: History

Semester: 1

Period: 3

Week: 17

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School Name: ____________________________
Teacher’s Name: ____________________________
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 12
Date: Week 17
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 17, Period III
Topic: The Administrations of Seven Selected Liberian Presidents (1847–1990)
Sub-topic: Samuel Kanyon Doe – Military Rule & Transition Issues

 

Learning Objectives

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

1. Identify who Samuel Kanyon Doe was and how he came to power.
2. Explain the nature of Liberia’s first military government (1980 coup and PRC).
3. Discuss Doe’s reforms, achievements, and shortcomings.
4. Analyze the transition problems leading to instability and civil war.

 

Previous Knowledge

Students already know about President William R. Tolbert’s reforms, the Rice Riots (1979), and the 1980 coup that ended Americo-Liberian dominance.

 

Instructional Materials

• Textbook: Liberian History for Secondary Schools
• Timeline chart of events from 1980–1990
• Map of Liberia showing conflict areas
• Newspaper excerpts (if available)

 

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Starter / Warm-up)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Activity:

• Teacher asks:

1. “What usually happens when the military takes over a civilian government?”
2. “Do you think a soldier can successfully transform into a civilian president?”

Learners’ Role: Share ideas on advantages and dangers of military governments.
Teacher’s Role: Lead students into the discussion of Liberia’s military era.

 

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Notes (Expanded):

Samuel Kanyon Doe (1980–1990)

• Background: Born in Grand Gedeh County, from the Krahn ethnic group. First indigenous Liberian to lead the country.
• Rise to Power:
• On April 12, 1980, led a military coup with 17 enlisted men.
• Assassinated President William Tolbert.
• Established the People’s Redemption Council (PRC) as the ruling body.

Features of Military Rule:

1. Suspension of the 1847 Constitution.
2. Ban on political parties.
3. Execution of Tolbert’s top officials at the Barclay Training Center.
4. Promised reforms to end corruption and bring equality.

Transition Issues & Challenges:

1. Ethnic Favoritism: Favored Krahn people, leading to resentment from other groups.
2. Political Repression: Opposition leaders harassed, journalists arrested.
3. 1985 Elections: Declared himself civilian president under a new constitution; elections widely criticized as fraudulent.
4. Coup Attempts: Survived Thomas Quiwonkpa’s failed coup (1985).
5. Civil War: In December 1989, Charles Taylor launched a rebellion that grew into the First Liberian Civil War.
6. Fall of Doe: Captured and killed by rebels in September 1990.

Achievements:

• First indigenous leader, symbolizing a break from Americo-Liberian dominance.
• Some efforts at reform and infrastructure development.
• New constitution in 1986 (though not fully respected).

Failures:

• Ethnic politics and dictatorship.
• Poor human rights record.
• Economic decline and civil unrest.
• His death marked the collapse of centralized authority.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Summary:

• Doe came to power through the 1980 coup, ending Americo-Liberian rule.
• Established a military regime, later transitioned to civilian rule.
• His government faced corruption, repression, and ethnic conflict.
• His assassination in 1990 ushered in Liberia’s civil war era.

Evaluation (Oral Questions):

1. Who led the 1980 coup in Liberia?
2. What governing body did Doe set up after the coup?
3. What was significant about the 1985 elections?
4. Why was Doe’s rule controversial?

 

Assignment:

1. Write a short essay on the 1980 coup:
   Causes
   ii. Events
   iii. Results
2. Compare the governments of Tolbert and Doe.
3. Research: Why did Doe’s rule lead to civil war?

 

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies

• Struggling Learners: Provide simplified handout with dates and key events.
• Advanced Learners: Debate: Was Doe’s rise to power a blessing or a curse for Liberia?
• Students with Disabilities: Use maps, timelines, and storytelling to enhance learning.

 

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class):

• What worked well? ____________________________________
• What needs improvement? ______________________________
• Students’ engagement: □ High □ Medium □ Low