Origins & Early Life

William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman (29 November 1895 – 23 July 1971) was a Liberian politician. He was the 19th president of Liberia and the longest-serving president in the country's history, serving from his election in 1944 until his death in 1971. Tubman is regarded as the "father of modern Liberia" in that during his presidency sufficient foreign investment was attracted to modernize the country's economy and infrastructure. During his tenure, Liberia experienced a period of prosperity.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He also led a policy of national unification to reduce the social and political differences between his fellow Americo-Liberians and the indigenous Liberians. William Tubman was born on 29 November 1895, in Harper, which is located in southeastern Liberia. He was one of 5 children, who grew up poor. He was also a descendant of people who were formerly enslaved in the U.S. Tubman's grandfather, Alexander Tubman, was a stonemason, general in the Liberian army, and a former Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives, as well as a Methodist preacher.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Tubman's father was a strict disciplinarian. He required his five children to attend daily family prayer services...

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