Barbary Wars - Spring 2012

The Barbary Wars are a chain of conflicts between the United States Navy and the North African pirates of the Barbary States in 1801 through 1805. The Barbary States include Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. The pirates guarded the coast of Africa and prevented any other ships from entering unless they pay a certain fee, called a tribute. At first, other nations continued to pay the tribute because the pirates intimidated them and it eventually became the standard. However, at the beginning of the 19^th century, the United States grew tired of having to pay and a war erupted. 10 years later, a second war between the Barbary pirates occurred because of their attacks on U.S. ships. Even though these wars may have faded in history, it still had affect on the United States’ international involvement and foreign policy.