Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone takes its name from the Portuguese Serra de Leão or "Lion Mountains," an early reference to the hills surrounding the present site of Freetown Harbor. Portugal was the first European nation to establish a trading post (at Freetown in 1495), joined later by the Dutch, French and British, all of whom utilized the region as a trading point for slaves throughout the 16th century. After the abolishment of slavery by most of Europe, Britain devised a plan to resettle many of its "black poor" in the nation, which prompted an influx of black and Asian immigrants from London, the West Indies and North America. Although initially resisted by the indigenous population, the colony of Freetown was eventually established and settled by these emigres, who intermarried and developed the Krio (or Creole) culture and language that predominates today.

Several unsuccessful revolts were mounted by indigenous people against British rule and the Krio population, the most notable of which was the Hut Tax War of 1898. Although defeat of the natives in the Hut Tax war ended large scale organised military resistance, intermittent rioting and chaotic labour disturbances would continue throughout much of the early 20th century.

Sierra Leone's progress towards independence was a gradual one, beginning in 1924 with its division into a Colony and a Protectorate, and followed in 1951 by drafting of a new constitution and a framework for decolonization.