Ineffectiveness of Black Colonization (Liberia) as a Solution

Key Insight

A group of American citizens, fearing the dangers of racial conflict, established the Society for the Colonization of Blacks to pay for the passage of free Negroes to the coast of Guinea. In 1820, a settlement named Liberia was founded at seven degrees north latitude, which, by last report, had received 2,500 Negroes.

In Liberia, American institutions were introduced, including a representative system, Negro jurors, magistrates, and priests, as well as temples and newspapers. In a 'strange caprice of fortune,' Whites are forbidden to settle within its walls, aimed at preventing a scenario similar to the Indian tribes where an enlightened race destroyed a less civilized one before assimilation. This endeavor embodies a 'great and beautiful idea' for Africa, potentially bringing European enlightenment to the continent via Africans.

However, this idea is 'sterile for the New World.' In the twelve years it took to transport 2,500 Negroes, approximately 700,000 Blacks were born in the United States. Even if the Union were to fully fund and facilitate colonization, it 'still would not be able to offset even the natural growth of the black population,' failing to slow the problem's daily worsening. The Negro race, brought by 'passions and vices of Europe,' will not leave America unless it ceases to exist, making colonization an ineffective solution to the US racial dilemma.