A Study of War
 Wars of the World*
Coup in Liberia 1980

On April 12, 1980, President William R. Tolbert, Jr. (1913-80) was killed in a coup led by Master Sergeant (later General) Samuel K. Doe (1951?-90), who became head of state and chairman of the People's Redemption Council (PRC). The PRC promised a new constitution, which became effective in 1986, and a return to civilian rule. Elections were held in 1985 with the participation of several parties but were widely criticized as fraudulent. Doe was inaugurated as the first president of the Second Republic in January 1986. His rule ended in 1990 after civil war--primarily between the Krahn and the Gio and Mano peoples--erupted.
References: 

Dictionary of Wars, 272; EB - Liberia.
http://www.onwar.com/aced/data/lima/liberia1980.htm Revised: October 13, 2003

Armed Conflict Events Database

Armed Conflict Events Data (ACED) is an research project providing independent information about known wars, international disputes, civil wars, rebellions, coups, revolutions, genocides and other violent conflicts. ACED has been online since December 2000. Various partial revisions and modifications have been implemented since then, however, the limitations of the this format hamper further development. During 2005, the decision was made to radically restructure the available conflict information into a database. The new Armed Conflict Events Database (ACEDb) will substantially increase the utility of available conflict data for students of military history. As well, it will offer expanded opportunities to add and edit records of conflict. Existing research material will be maintained in its present form but no revisions are planned. More news about the development of ACEDb may be found at News About the Armed Conflict Events Database. Feedback is welcome.