William Tolbert | |
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Tolbert in 1978 | |
20th President of Liberia | |
In office 23 July 1971 – 12 April 1980 | |
Vice President | vacant (1971–1972) James Edward Greene (1972–1977) Bennie Dee Warner (1977–1980) |
Preceded by | William Tubman |
Succeeded by | Samuel Doe |
23rd Vice President of Liberia | |
In office 1 January 1952 – 23 July 1971 | |
President | William Tubman |
Preceded by | Clarence Simpson |
Succeeded by | James Edward Greene |
Personal details | |
Born | William Richard Tolbert Jr. 13 May 1913 Bensonville, Liberia |
Died | 12 April 1980 Monrovia, Liberia | (aged 66)
Manner of death | Assassination by firearm |
Resting place | Palm Grove Cemetery |
Political party | True Whig |
Spouse | |
Children | 8 |
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President of Liberia 1971-1980
Government
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William Richard Tolbert Jr. (13 May 1913 – 12 April 1980) was a Liberian politician who served as the 20th president of Liberia from 1971 until his assassination in 1980.
Tolbert was an Americo-Liberian and trained as a civil servant before entering the House of Representatives in 1943 for the True Whig Party, then the only established party in Liberia. Tolbert was elected the 23rd vice president of Liberia to William Tubman in 1952 and served in that position until he became president following Tubman's death in 1971. Tolbert's early presidency saw liberal reforms and the adoption of a Non-Alignment stance, but growing economic troubles and tensions between Americo-Liberians and indigenous Liberians led to instability.
Tolbert was assassinated in the 1980 coup d'état by the People's Redemption Council led by Samuel Doe, marking the end of 133 years of Americo-Liberian rule in Liberia.
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