raided by the Kru and Grebo from their inland chiefdoms. Because of feeling set apart and superior by their culture and education to the indigenous people, the Americo-Liberians developed as a small elite that held on to political power. It excluded the indigenous tribesmen from birthright citizenship in their own lands until 1904, in a repetition of the United States' treatment of Native Americans. The ACS and American-Africans mutually agreed that Liberia was its own separate entity. The colony needed some form of formal process to realize its statehood. Even before, declaring independence the ACS was helping Liberia draft a constitution. The first referendum for independence occurred in November 1846. The general population was badly split. The referendum relied on more information from legislature to make an adequate decision. Members of both sides decided to present arguments to sway votes. Many Liberians, especially the rich who were affected by the continuous regression by ACS, began to seek independence. During the mid-19th century, there were also continuous clashes between Liberian government and British merchants from Sierra Leone, with the merchants arguing that the country had no right to impose taxes. The elites in the colony wanted to declare sovereignty to overcome the issue, resulting in the declaration. British Influence British influence in Western Africa continued to expand when Sierra Leone was absorbed by Britain. Britain looked to expand its influence into more of Western African. Colonists were pushed as their sovereignty was threatened by British traders. They attempted to attack their claims on their biggest source of revenues, custom duties. American-Africans utilized this opportunity to consolidate support and establish independence to become a full taxing authority. After settling differences with Britain, Liberia aided Britain in the illegal slave trade. Due to close relations in Western Africa, Britain was the first country to recognize Liberian independence. Other threats to Independence Internally, Liberia struggled in establishing society as discrimination occurred between African-American, African tribes, Europeans, and Mulattoes. Socioeconomic classes divided interests for the development of Liberia. Externally, other international powers were looking to take advantage of Liberian resources. European diplomats looked to threaten Liberia's sovereignty. Establishing a strong tie to the United States proved vital for survival. Imperialism threatened to damage internal land claims. Establishing colonial authority with the help of the ACS proved vital for Liberia's future. Legislative development The early legislature struggled to divide itself from the American Colonization society. Independence