Barbary Pirates Research Paper

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During the 17th century the Barbary Pirates wreaked havoc throughout the Mediterranean Sea as they raided ships and held captives for ransom. The Barbary States included Morroco, Algeris, Tunis, and Tripoli all located in North Africa, with the latter three allied with the Ottoman (Turkish) empire. The Pirates interfered with all trade passing through the Strait of Gibraltar; until they were met with the strong resistance of the US Navy, led by president Thomas Jefferson. The Barbary Pirates triumphantly impeded all trade exchange in the Mediterranean Sea with their constant violent encounters and exchanged prisoners for wealth.
The Barbary Pirates were a strong and powerful force, and they impacted many European and American leaders who planned …show more content…

In the early 1780’s Spain had ships monitoring the Strait of Gibraltar, and keeping an eye on Barbary forces, while not letting them out of the Mediterranean. Then in 1785 Algeris and Spain signed a peace document, which meant that the Strait of Gibraltar would no longer be guarded by Spanish ships to stop the Barbary Pirates from escaping the Mediterranean Sea. Consequently there was an increase in piracy by the Barbary in the Atlantic Ocean. In return, Spain was granted travels and trade without any disruption or encounters from the Barbary Pirates. When being terrorized by the Barbary States to often, many leaders in Europe decided to pay tributes instead of addressing the military of the Barbary States. Their reward was safe travels of trading ships through the Mediterranean Sea. The Barbary States also made treaties regarding war allegations and how a situation with encounters and exchanges would happen if at war with another country. The United States and the Pirates signed a treaty in 1796, which stated, “If any goods belonging to any nation with which either of the parties is at war shall be loaded on board of vessels belonging to the other party they shall pass free, and no attempt shall be made to take or detain them.” Overall many countries were intimidated by the Barbary States and that is why they attempted to make treaties with

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