<P> The Society for the Colonization of Free People of Color of America , commonly known as the American Colonization Society ( ACS ) , was a group established in 1816 by Robert Finley of New Jersey which supported the migration of free African Americans to the continent of Africa . The society in 1821 -- 22 helped to found a colony on the Pepper Coast of West Africa , as a place for free - born or manumitted American blacks . The ACS met with immediate and continuing objections from such African - Americans as James Forten and David Walker , who wished to remain in the land of their birth , saw colonization as a racist strategy for protecting slavery and purging the U.S. of its black citizens , and preferred to fight for equal rights at home . Colonizers were also met with resistance and attacks from those already living in and around the areas being colonized . There was some religious support and missionary efforts were part of the colonization . Disease was a major problem and took a deadly toll . </P>
<P> The Society for the Colonization of Free People of Color of America , commonly known as the American Colonization Society ( ACS ) , was a group established in 1816 by Robert Finley of New Jersey which supported the migration of free African Americans to the continent of Africa . The society in 1821 -- 22 helped to found a colony on the Pepper Coast of West Africa , as a place for free - born or manumitted American blacks . The ACS met with immediate and continuing objections from such African - Americans as James Forten and David Walker , who wished to remain in the land of their birth , saw colonization as a racist strategy for protecting slavery and purging the U.S. of its black citizens , and preferred to fight for equal rights at home . Colonizers were also met with resistance and attacks from those already living in and around the areas being colonized . There was some religious support and missionary efforts were part of the colonization . Disease was a major problem and took a deadly toll . </P>
who established the american colonization society in 1817
who established the american colonization society in 1817
Robert Finley
Robert Finley