Key Figures

THOMAS JEFFERSON

The second vice president ever, under John Adams then later becomes president in February 1801. Jefferson denied demands of the Barbary States. The Barbary Coast--specifically the Pasha of Tripoli. The Europeans used the term "Barbary" to refer to much of the collective land of the Berber people. Thomas Jefferson felt giving into one demand only led into more demands in the future, which would just end in chaos. Then the Barbary States officially declared war on the United States.

LIEUTENANT STEPHAN DECATUR

The youngest lieutenant of the United States who went back and forth with Great Britain and the Barbary States. Lieutenant Stephan Decatur gained his fame through the Barbary war in 1812. Decatur was the commander of the USS United States and he was the one who captured the British ship of war Macedonian off the Madeira islands. Even though he has some early criticism, he was thought out as a true naval hero. In 1815 The U.S signed peace treaties with Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunis AGAIN--but under Decatur's order.

EUROPEAN POWERS

European was a tactic during the 18th century to balance power. The major European powers were European powers took over the Barbary states which allowed them to attack United State ships. Due to this, the Barbary states would not go against the European Powers at this time due to the fear of being overruled.

YUSUF KARAMANLI/QARAMANLI

Yusuf Karamanli was the Pasha of Tripoli during the Barbary Wars. Karamanli demanded $225,000 from the United States as well as yearly fees. Jefferson denied this demand which lead to Jefferson declare war on the United States--unofficially.

COMRADE EDWARD PREBLE

Comrade Edward Preble was the man responsible for forcing men on Morocco which was one of the Barbary states and turned them from war. The Philadelphia American ship was captured and Preble knew he could not leave the ship due to it being equipped. Invading the Barbary states was his only way to get back back the ship.

HELPFUL LINKS FOR ELABORATED INFORMATION AS WELL AS A THANK YOU TO:

https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/first-barbary-war

http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/naval/p/sdecatur.htm

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/naval-hero-killed-in-duel

https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/barbary-wars

http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-34-02-0122