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| 13. Liberia |
| 1971 |
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| William Tubman, president of Liberia since the 1940s, died and was succeeded by William Tolbert. | 1 |
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| 1973 |
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| The Mano River Union was signed, promoting economic cooperation between Liberia and Sierra Leone. | 2 |
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| 1979 |
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| The climbing price of rice triggered widespread rioting. Over 100 people were killed. | 3 |
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| 1980, March |
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| Opposition leader Gabriel Baccus Matthews called for a general strike to protest government policies. He and a number of his supporters were arrested. | 4 |
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| 1980, April 12 |
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| Forces loyal to Master Sgt. Samuel K. Doe assassinated Pres. Tolbert and overthrew the Liberian government. Leading members of the Tolbert regime were executed. | 5 |
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| 1984, July |
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| A new constitution was approved by national referendum. The ban on political activity was lifted. | 6 |
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| 1985, Oct |
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| Doe was elected president in national elections. Opponents accused the government of rigging the vote and refused to take their seats in the National Assembly. | 7 |
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| Nov |
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| Former army commander Thomas Quiwonkpa returned from exile and staged an unsuccessful coup attempt. He and many of his supporters were killed in clashes with government forces. | 8 |
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