American Colonization Society
The American Colonization Society was an organization created in 1817 by some white people in the United States. The goal of this organization was to send African Americans from the United States to the West African coast to create their own nation. (This did not involve people living in African countries already!) The society thought this would be the best way to end slavery in the U.S.
The American Colonization Society believed that if African American people were sent to Africa, slavery would end in the U.S. They also believed that since these people were not from Africa, they could create a nation where they would be able to live without restrictions and make laws that fit their beliefs.
The American Colonization Society organized and paid for the transportation of thousands of African Americans to Africa. However, not all African Americans wanted to leave the United States and many volunteered to start a new nation in Africa.
Eventually, in 1847, the American Colonization Society was successful in establishing the nation of Liberia in West Africa. Liberia is still a country today and is home to people of African descent.
In spite of its good intentions, the American Colonization Society also caused pain and suffering to many African Americans. The decision to leave their home and land was often very difficult and a forced one. Many people lost their connection with their families in the United States and were never able to return home. Additionally, the American Colonization Society was a largely white organization and did not consult the African American people it was helping with decision-making about the colonization project.
The American Colonization Society believed that if African American people were sent to Africa, slavery would end in the U.S. They also believed that since these people were not from Africa, they could create a nation where they would be able to live without restrictions and make laws that fit their beliefs.
The American Colonization Society organized and paid for the transportation of thousands of African Americans to Africa. However, not all African Americans wanted to leave the United States and many volunteered to start a new nation in Africa.
Eventually, in 1847, the American Colonization Society was successful in establishing the nation of Liberia in West Africa. Liberia is still a country today and is home to people of African descent.
In spite of its good intentions, the American Colonization Society also caused pain and suffering to many African Americans. The decision to leave their home and land was often very difficult and a forced one. Many people lost their connection with their families in the United States and were never able to return home. Additionally, the American Colonization Society was a largely white organization and did not consult the African American people it was helping with decision-making about the colonization project.