The Barbary Wars: America's Path to Global Dominance During the reigns of Sultan Bayezid II and Sultan Selim I, the Ottoman Navy experienced significant expansion. This growth led to the appointment of Barbaros Hayreddin as Grand Admiral in 1534. With strategic prowess, the Ottomans achieved dominance at sea, earning the moniker "Sultans of the Seas." Their naval might extended to the Atlantic, compelling even Britain to pay tribute. Under the Articles of Confederation, the United States faced minimal threats from Barbary pirates until 1785. It was during this year that Algerian pirates seized the Maria and the Dauphin, prompting diplomatic appeals and ransom demands. In 1795, after failed negotiations and tragic losses, the United States signed a treaty with Algiers. This treaty signaled the nation's resolve to protect its maritime interests. Subsequent conflicts with Tripoli and the decisive actions of leaders like Thomas Jefferson and Commodore Edward Preble marked the beginning of America's rise as a maritime power. The first Barbary War saw daring raids led by Captain William Eaton, culminating in the capture of Tripoli's second city, Derna. Peace settlements followed, showcasing America's commitment to free trade and diplomacy. The Second Barbary War, fought in 1815, marked a decisive victory for the United States against Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers. Commodore Stephen Decatur's treaty with Algeria solidified America's position in the Mediterranean, ending the era of Barbary piracy. After the war ended, the United States and European countries ceased giving money to the pirate states. This change signaled the decline of piracy in the region, which had been a significant problem during the Ottoman Empire's rule from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The Barbary Wars epitomize America's journey from maritime triumphs to global power status. Through strategic alliances, diplomatic negotiations, and decisive military action, the United States challenged piracy, safeguarded its economic interests, and asserted its dominance on the world stage. These conflicts marked pivotal moments in American history, shaping its trajectory towards becoming a dominant force in international affairs.

1. Battle on the High Seas: Ottoman vs. USA in the Barbary Wars
Time Printer
March 07, 2024
Naval Rivalry: Ottoman vs. USA in the Barbary Wars
During the reigns of Sultan Bayezid II and Sultan Selim I, the Ottoman Navy experienced significant expansion and
recruited skilled sailors. The appointment of Barbaros Hayreddin in 1534 marked a turning point for the Ottoman
Navy, propelling it to become the dominant force at sea and greatly impacting Ottoman history. With superior
numbers and strategic prowess, the Ottoman Navy achieved decisive victories against allied Christian fleets,
solidifying its reputation as the "Sultans of the Seas."
In this context, Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa was a grand admiral of the Ottoman navy in the Mediterranean. He was
born in 1478 on an island that's part of Greece now. The title "Barbaros" is derived from "Italian Word "Barbarossa",
meaning "Redbeard," which was given to him due to his red beard, his real name was Khizr or Khidr. The Sultan of the
Ottoman Empire gave him the name Hayreddin, which means “Best of the Faith”.
Image Source: Google, America's Ships
Ottoman maritime warriors ventured beyond the Mediterranean into the Atlantic, extending Ottoman sea power. The
Ottoman Empire's naval might became so formidable that even Britain found itself compelled to pay tribute to the
Ottomans. Consequently, when the United States gained independence from Britain, it too was forced to pay tribute
after its navy vessels were captured by the Ottomans. In this article, we'll explore a brief but significant historical and

2. geopolitical maritime conflict between the United States, a new nation in the New World, and one of the strongest
empires of the mainland world, the Ottoman Empire.
💻 Table of Contents:
● America's Struggle Against Barbary Pirates: The Fate of the Maria and the Dauphin
● Diplomatic Maneuvers and Military Campaigns
● The Barbary Wars: America's Path Towards Superpower Status
● The First Barbary War (1801–05) : Ransom and Abolishment of Tributes to Tripoli
● The Triumph of Free Trade: America's Victory in the Second Barbary War
America's Struggle Against Barbary Pirates: The Fate of the Maria and the
Dauphin
Before 1785, the United States didn't face many threats from Barbary Coast pirates because its government didn't
have strong strategies to deal with them. In that year, when Spain and Algiers stopped patrolling the Strait of
Gibraltar, piracy increased in the Atlantic. Algerian pirates captured the Maria and the Dauphin on July 25th and July
30th, respectively. Richard O’Bryen, captain of the Dauphin, became the hostages' spokesperson, requesting money
and funds from the American government for their release.
As America's minister to France, Thomas Jefferson sought peace with the Dey of Algiers but preferred war over
tribute. However, diplomatic efforts failed to secure the release of the captives due to very high payment demands
and bureaucratic obstacles. In this context, "Dey" refers to the title given to the rulers of the Regency of Algiers
(Algeria), Tripoli, and Tunis under the Ottoman Empire from 1671 onwards. The Algerian regency started during the
16th-century Ottoman–Habsburg wars. It was a special government under the Ottoman Empire ruled by Janissaries
(elite soldiers) and Corsairs (pirates). They got their revenues and political power from their maritime strength.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and Military Campaigns:
After a peace treaty (the Treaty of Marrakesh) between the United States and Morocco was signed in 1786, Portugal
took on the responsibility of guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, previously held by Spain. This prevented the pirate ships
from entering the Atlantic Ocean and kept the Algerian pirates limited to staying in their own ports. As a result,

3. American ships were able to enter the Mediterranean. It's worth noting that on December 20, 1777, Morocco
became the first country in the world to recognize the independence of the United States.
However, when the Washington administration learned that Portugal was in negotiations with Algiers, they became
concerned that a peace agreement between the two nations would put American shipping at risk, even in the
Atlantic. As a result, the focus shifted towards Algiers, where a new leader named Hassan Bashaw was believed to
be more reasonable than his predecessor.
Over time, disease and harsh conditions took their toll, with many hostages perishing. By 1792, only ten survivors
remained, highlighting the tragic saga endured by American sailors aboard the Maria and the Dauphin at the hands
of Barbary pirates.
In 1792, President George Washington attempted to negotiate with Algiers to release the captives but was
unsuccessful. However, Congress allocated funds that same year to not only free the hostages but also establish a
lasting peace. After some delays due to the deaths of negotiators John Paul Jones and Thomas Barclay, the United
States signed a treaty with Algiers on 5 September 1795. As part of the agreement, the United States paid $642,500
to ransom the captives and also promised to provide $21,600 worth of naval supplies annually to protect American
ships from piracy.
Image Source: Google, Ottoman Navy at the Golden Horn

4. The Barbary Wars: America's Path Towards Superpower Status
When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a big problem. The country was in a lot of debt
and needed its economy to grow fast. But its merchant ships were being attacked by pirates from the Barbary coast
in North Africa. These pirates would capture American sailors and hold them as slaves, asking for a lot of money to
set them free. Jefferson had tried to negotiate with the Barbary states before, but they didn't listen.
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They took advantage of America, France, England, and other powerful nations because they could make easy money
by extorting them. President Thomas Jefferson didn't want to rely only on diplomacy anymore. He decided to take
action by sending the newly built warships of the U.S. Navy and a group of marines to block Tripoli. This started the
Barbary Wars and marked the beginning of America's path toward becoming a superpower in the future.
In 1800, Tripoli's ruler, Yusuf Karamanli, demanded higher tribute from the United States or war would follow.
President Thomas Jefferson chose to use force to protect American interests. Captain Andrew Sterret won the first
American victory by capturing the Tripoli corsair ship. However, since war hadn't been declared, the ship was
released.
In 1803, Commodore Edward Preble was appointed to lead a Mediterranean squadron, and Captain William
Bainbridge's ship, the Philadelphia, was captured in Tripoli harbor. The crew remained captive for two years, and a $2
million ransom was demanded. These events marked the beginning of the Barbary Wars, (also known as the
Tripolitan War and the Barbary Coast War), as the United States fought against piracy in the Mediterranean.
The First Barbary War (1801–05) : Ransom and Abolishment of Tributes to Tripoli
Captain William Eaton, a former consul of Tunis, led a daring raid during the 1st Barbary War, forming an alliance
with Hamet Karamanli, the deposed Bashaw of Tripoli. Here, "Bashaw" is another term for "Pasha" or "Bey" and was
used in the Barbary States to refer to a ruler or governor. In 1805, Eaton and Hamet marched an army of Arab and
Greek mercenaries across the Libyan Desert and captured Tripoli’s second city, Derna, with the assistance of three
American ships led by Captain Isaac Hull.
However, before advancing further, a peace settlement (the Treaty of Tripoli 1805) was reached with Tripoli's ruler
through General Consul Tobias Lear and Danish Consul Nicholas C. Nissen. As part of the agreement, the United
States paid a $60,000 ransom, ending the need for tributes to Tripoli. This treaty was celebrated as a victory for free
trade and the conclusion of the war with Tripoli.

5. The Triumph of Free Trade: America's Victory in the Second Barbary War
The Second Barbary War, fought in 1815, pitted the United States against the Barbary Coast states of Tripoli, Tunis,
and Algiers. Commodore Stephen Decatur's treaty with Algeria, ratified by the US Senate on December 5, 1815,
brought an end to the conflict.
The British supported Algiers during the War of 1812 that took place from 1812 to 1815, was a conflict between the
United States and Great Britain. It was primarily sparked by several issues, including the impressment of American
sailors by the British Navy, trade disputes, conflicts over western expansion, and differences in Native American
policy.
The British saw an opportunity to weaken American trade and put pressure on the United States by forming an
alliance with Algiers. By supporting Algiers, the British hoped to disrupt American commerce and gain an advantage
in the war. The British blockade along the Atlantic coast further hindered American trade in the Mediterranean.
During the War of 1812, the United States and Britain negotiated in Ghent, Belgium. After several months, they
signed the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814, ending the war and restoring peace. Through diplomatic dialogue
and compromise, they were able to reach an agreement that brought an end to the hostilities and paved the way for
improved relations between the United States and Britain in the years that followed.

6. Following the war's conclusion, the US and European nations ceased paying tribute to the pirate states, signaling the
decline of piracy in the region. This shift marked the end of an era of rampant piracy that had persisted during
Ottoman rule from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The western nations' advancements in ship technology and
military prowess outmatched the Barbary pirates, contributing to the decline of piracy in the area.
Conclusion:
The history of the Barbary Wars underscores America's evolution from a fledgling nation to a global superpower,
driven by the defense of its economic interests and the promotion of free trade. Through decisive military action and
diplomatic negotiations, the United States challenged the piracy that plagued the Mediterranean, securing its
maritime routes and asserting its position on the world stage.
The treaties signed and victories achieved marked not only the end of Barbary piracy but also a pivotal moment in
American history, shaping its trajectory towards becoming a dominant force in international affairs.
NOTE WELL:
Author: Mohammed Shahidullah-Bin-Anwar
Publication Date: March 7, 2024
Original Source of URL: TIME PRINTER