STEPHEN DECATUR

In February of 1804, Commodore Edward Preble staged a risky operation in order to prevent the Islamic Barbary powers from using one of the American captured ships against America. With a small band of naval officers he raided the heavily defended harbor in Tripoli and successfully destroyed the ship. Following the incident, Preble and his men were hailed as heroes at home and abroad for “humbling the Muslim North African states”. The clash of Christian and Islamic civilizations was then ongoing.

See Carl Schurz {33636} for an 1872 version and G. K Chesterton for perspective {597471}.

The Barbary Pirates had an incredible extortion racket going in the Mediterranean. If nations would pay them an annual sum each year, they would not attack and seize merchant ships of that country and sell the ships and goods while holding the sailors for ransom. President Jefferson had first dispatched American warships and authorized a major land operation which were very effective. Finally, a treaty was negotiated but Decatur reminded the Navy of what brought the Algerians to the negotiating table.

See Carl Schurz {33636} for an 1872 version and G. K Chesterton for perspective {597471}.

The Barbary Pirates had an incredible extortion racket going in the Mediterranean. If nations would pay them an annual sum each year, they would not attack and seize merchant ships of that country and sell the ships and goods while holding the sailors for ransom. President Jefferson had first dispatched American warships and authorized a major land operation which were very effective. Finally, a treaty was negotiated but Decatur reminded the Navy of what brought the Algerians to the negotiating table.