1853 Maryland independence referendum

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An independence referendum was held in the Maryland Colony on 31 January 1853. [1] Only 122 people voted in the referendum, all in favor of independence. [1]

Contents

Background

The Maryland State Colonization Society was established in Maryland in the United States in 1830. [1] The group established the Maryland Colony in Africa on 22 February 1834. [2] After Liberia declared independence in 1847, the desire for independence also grew in Maryland, and the settlers presented a petition to the authorities for a referendum.

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For122100
Against00
Invalid/blank votes
Total122100
Source: Direct Democracy

Aftermath

Following the referendum, elections were held for a Constitutional Council in February 1854, a new constitution was approved in a referendum in March 1854, and Maryland declared independence as the Republic of Maryland on 8 June 1854. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Maryland in Liberia (Liberia), 31 January 1853: Independence Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. The African repository, Volume 14, p42
  3. Maryland in Liberia (Liberia), 29 March 1854: Constitution Direct Democracy (in German)