National Unification Day, also known as Unification and Integration Day, is observed in Liberia every May 14. This public holiday aims to ease tensions between the indigenous majority and the Americo-Liberian elite, a divide rooted in the country's history. Liberia was founded in 1822 by free blacks relocated from the United States, and by 1847, it became an independent state. The Americo-Liberians established a racially segregated society, leading to significant social tensions. In 1944, President William Tubman introduced a national unification policy to reduce these differences, which included enfranchising indigenous Liberians. National Unification Day was declared a national holiday in 1960 to support Tubman's efforts, although tensions between the two groups persist. Despite the holiday's intent, Liberia has faced significant challenges, including two civil wars in the late 20th century.