Liberia joins World War I on the Allied side

In 1917, Liberia made a significant decision to join World War I on the side of the Allies, officially declaring war on August 4. Prior to this, Liberia had maintained a stance of neutrality throughout most of the conflict. The declaration of war had immediate repercussions, particularly for the German merchants residing in Liberia. These merchants were expelled from the country, which was a substantial economic blow since they were the largest investors and trading partners in Liberia at the time. The expulsion led to a notable economic downturn for Liberia, as the nation had to navigate the loss of vital trade relationships and investment. This period marked a pivotal moment in Liberia's history, as it aligned itself with the Allied powers during a global conflict, despite the economic challenges that ensued from this decision.