First Barbary War
How did America face Barbary pirates to protect trade at sea?
4.1 (11)
56 mins
Explore how the young United States confronted the Barbary pirates, navigating danger, diplomacy, and daring naval raids. Discover the courage of officers like Decatur, Preble, and Bainbridge who forged the Navy’s reputation.
Ep 1:
Millions for Defense, Not Tribute
A young America pays millions in tribute to Barbary pirates, until captured sailors' horrific tales of slavery ignite a national reckoning over weakness versus war.
Ep 2:
Six Frigates and a Foolish Commander
Congress builds a navy of six frigates, but a fragile peace and a disastrous commodore expose how costly indecision can be at sea.
Ep 3:
Preble's Gambit and the Burning of the Philadelphia
Commodore Preble takes command with fire and fury—then disaster strikes when the frigate Philadelphia runs aground, setting the stage for Decatur's legendary raid.
Ep 4:
Bombs, Blockades, and a Desert Scheme
Preble presses a relentless siege on Tripoli while a bold scheme forms: overthrow a tyrant using his own exiled brother and a desert march.
Ep 5:
March on Derna, Deal in Tripoli
Eaton's ragtag army crosses brutal desert to storm Derna and raise the flag in triumph, even as diplomats strike a controversial peace behind his back.
Ep 6:
Decatur's Reckoning and the Pirates' Fall
Fresh from war with Britain, America returns to the Mediterranean with real power—and Stephen Decatur delivers an ultimatum that finally ends Barbary piracy for good.
Discussions (21)
Milton
Level 2 · 8 mo agoRome farmed there just fine.
Ruth
Level 2 · 7 mo agoBainbridge surrendered the ship and still got a banquet? The freaking balls on this guy. Men always get a pass for their failures. It is amazing.
Murray
Level 3 · 8 mo agonot to defend the pirates but cowdery botching surgery on purpose is pretty fucked up. dude used a dull knife on a soldier just to prove he was a bad doctor. I guess you gotta do what you gotta do.
