Summary
The waters of the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean had for centuries been the hunting grounds of pirates based in ports along the northwest coast of Africa, a region known as the Barbary Coast. They sailed from the four Barbary States—Algiers, Morocco, Tripoli, and Tunis—in search of prey: unarmed or lightly armed trading ships laden with precious cargo. Pirates would seize ships and crews and demand ransoms for them, as well as exact tribute from anyone who wished to pursue commerce in the region. After the United States gained independence from Britain in 1783, its merchant ships no longer had the protection of the British navy and were at risk of capture. Should the United States continue to pay tribute to the Barbary States, or go to war with them to end the practice?
This eBook examines the U.S. conflict with the Barbary States and delves into the pro and con arguments that surrounded it. It includes a timeline, primary sources, a bibliography, a "Learn More About" chapter with more information on the topic, and a "What If?" chapter speculating on what might have happened had the United States pursued a different policy.