The Sierra Leone Civil War lasted eleven years and left Sierra Leone frightened and without construction. The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) bombed the country but faced constant resistance from the Sierra Leonean army. Both sides relied heavily on child soldiers throughout the war, and it is estimated that between 5,000 and 10,000 child soldiers were collectively used by both the Sierra Leone government and the RUF. These children were forced into a life of violence and oppression and have struggled to reintegrate into society ever since. Child soldiers returned home without families or a future, and many still face serious complications. For over 150 years, present-day Sierra Leone was an important colonial asset for the British. Under British control in 1808, the capital Freetown served as a naval base for anti-slavery patrols. The British governor who controlled the Gold Coast was one of several Europeans to settle in Freetown from 1821 to 1874. Additionally, Fourah Bay College was established in 1827 and sparked a major period of educational improvement on the entire west coast of Africa. For over 100 years, this college was the only European-style university south of the Sahara Dessert. Perhaps with the help of the established college, a series of revolts began to occur throughout Sierra Leone after a hut tax was imposed on all residents of the country. In response to the anger of the locals, a constitution was proposed in 1951 and the people began to take power from the British. Just 9 years later, Sir Milton Margai returned from London as the first Prime Minister of Sierra Leone after discussing constitutional actions with the British. On April 27, 1961, Sierra Leone became an independent nation with Sir...... middle of paper ......rim Reality," 565-587.. Beah, A Long Way Gone, 139-141.20. Betancourt et al., “High hopes, a dark reality”, 565-587.21 Betancourt et al., “High hopes, a dark reality”, 565-587.22 African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child ( np: Organization of African Unity, 1990), 5-6, accessed May 21, 2014, http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/Charter_En_African_Charter_on_the_Rights_and_Wlefare_of_the_Child_AddisAbaba_July1990.pdf.23. high hopes, a dark reality,” 565-587.24. Shepler, “The Rites of the Child,” 197-211.25. IRIN, “Sierra Leone: Child soldier rehabilitation program runs out of money,” IRIN Humanitarian News and Analysis, last modified July 22, 2003, accessed May 20, 2014, http://www.irinnews.org /report/45097/sierra-leone-child-soldier-rehabilitation-programme-runs-out-of-cash.26 Well, A long road traveled., 136.