Colonization societies facts for kids
Colonization societies were groups in the United States that encouraged African Americans to move to Africa. These groups believed that African Americans would have a better life in Africa, away from the challenges they faced in America.
One of the earliest and most important supporters of this idea was Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father of the United States. He thought it would be good for African Americans to live in a different place, far from Virginia. The idea of colonization itself might have started with Reverend Samuel Hopkins in 1770.
What Were Colonization Societies?
These societies were formed by different people for various reasons. Some believed it was a way to end slavery and give African Americans freedom and new opportunities. Others thought it would help create a new nation in Africa. The most famous place they helped people move to was Liberia, a country on the west coast of Africa.
Important Colonization Societies
Many different groups worked on colonization. Here are some of the well-known ones:
- Sierra Leone Company: This was one of the first groups involved in sending people to Africa.
- Maryland State Colonization Society: This society focused on helping people from Maryland move to Africa.
- African Colonization Society (1800–1816): Based in Virginia, this group was active in the early 1800s.
- American Colonization Society (1817–onwards): This became a very large and important group. It was started by Samuel John Mills and Dr. Finley. Many famous Americans were involved with it.
- International Migration Society (1894–1899): This society was started by Bishop Henry McNeil Turner. It successfully sent three ships full of African American migrants to Liberia.
- Liberia Exodus Joint Stock Steamship Company (1877–1880): This group sent one ship, called the Azor, to Liberia. Martin Delany helped with this effort.
- New York Colonization Society: This group was active in Liberia in the 1890s.
- United Trans-Atlantic Society (1885–1887): This society was formed in Kansas City, with help from Benjamin "Pap" Singleton.
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