Lecture Notes: Barbary Pirates and Early American Naval Conflicts

Introduction

Barbary pirates from North Africa captured ships and enslaved citizens around the Mediterranean.
Barbary States: Algiers, Tunis, Tripolitania, and Morocco.
- Morocco was independent; others were under Ottoman control but acted independently.
By the late 18th century, their power was dwindling.
- European powers feared pirates and paid tribute for peace.

After independence, U.S. ships were no longer protected.
Morocco recognized American independence early on.
U.S. paid over one-sixth of its national budget as tribute to release hostages and secure passage.

Crisis led to the creation of the U.S. Navy and resentment towards North African states.
From 1798 to 1800, U.S. fought Revolutionary France in the Quasi-War, gaining naval experience.

In 1801, President Thomas Jefferson refused tribute demands from Yusef Kara Manly, Pasha of Tripoli.
War was declared in May; American Navy was dispatched without Congress's formal war declaration.
- Conflict had Congress's backing.

In October 1803, USS Philadelphia was captured; Americans raided Tripoli harbor to destroy it.
With reinforcements, America effectively blockaded Tripoli again in mid-1804.
Americans attempted a land strategy by supporting Yusef Kara Manly’s exiled brother.
- Marines landed in Alexandria, Egypt, and marched on Tripoli.
- Captured Derna in April 1805, pressuring Kara Manly into peace.
- Americans paid ransom but Tripolitania could no longer demand tribute.

During Napoleonic Wars, Algerians attacked U.S. shipping.
U.S. focus shifted to tensions with Britain, leading to the War of 1812.
In 1815, after war with Britain, President Madison sent a larger navy to North Africa.
- Defeated Algerians and demanded reparations.