Pirates have always held a special place in folklore and mythology among children and adults alike. Popular media has always been mesmerized with the swashbuckling adventures of pirates; whether it is the book Treasure Island (1883) or the recent Pirates of the Caribbean movies, there seems to be a genuine interest in pirate activity. Unfortunately, pirate activity is a very real and serious problem still plaguing some areas of the world. Recently, Somalia garnered a lot of attention for the rash of pirate attacks that are occurring off their coast. Somali pirates have captured 4 European vessels just this week. This is not the first time there has been trouble with pirates off the African coast for European and American boats.
Thomas Jefferson experienced similar trouble off the coasts of Morroco, Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers (otherwise known as the Barbary states) during his tenure as President of the United States. The often forgotten First Barbary War was one of Jefferson's very first issues upon entering office. In fact, upon Jefferson's inauguration in 1801 the Barbary states demanded a payment of $225,000 in order to keep American vessels safe. Jefferson decided to put an end to what is often considered the first run in with Muslim terrorism against the U.S. by sending the navy to patrol the seas in the trouble areas. Although a declaration of war was never made by Congress, Jefferson instructed the commanders of the U.S. navy to seize all vessels and goods on ships from the Barbary states in an effort to take preemptive and precautionary measures. The Barbary states, and more specifically Tripoli, could not weather the naval blockade set up by the U.S. and eventually succumbed to signing a peace treaty in June of 1805.
For recent events of piracy in Somalia and more information on the First Barbary War check out these links:
