Impact of 1870s Emergence on the Coffee Industry's Decline

In the 1860s, Liberia's economy was heavily reliant on agricultural exports, with coffee being a significant product. However, by the 1870s, the emergence of coffee production in Brazil led to the destruction of Liberia's once-thriving coffee industry. This shift in the global coffee market had a profound impact on Liberia's economy, which struggled to compete with European colonies in Africa that were benefiting from advanced agricultural techniques and improved infrastructure. The introduction of new technologies in Europe further exacerbated the situation, as Liberian shipping companies found it increasingly difficult to operate effectively. Despite attempts by President Roye's government to secure funding for a railway in 1871 to enhance transportation and trade, the project never came to fruition, and Liberia did not see its first railway constructed until 1945. The combination of these economic challenges and the investments made by European powers in their colonies left Liberia at a significant disadvantage, marking a challenging period in its economic history.