USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -However, once the United States declared independence, British diplomats were quick to inform the Barbary States that U.S. ships were open to attack. In 1785, Dey Muhammad of Algiers declared war on the United States and captured several American ships.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the summer of 1785, pirates from Algiers captured two American merchant ships and held the 21 men aboard them for ransom. The United States offered $4, 200 for the captives. The ruler of Algiers, called the dey, demanded nearly $60, 000. The Americans refused, and negotiations dragged on for more than 10 years.

Detailed explanation-3: -By some estimates, between 1784 and the conclusion of the 2nd Barbary War (1815), the Barbary privateers captured almost 700 American citizens. The Barbary threat also discouraged American travelers from entering the Mediterranean waters.

Detailed explanation-4: -After Thomas Jefferson became president of the US in March 1801, he sent a US Naval fleet to the Mediterranean to combat the Barbary pirates.

Detailed explanation-5: -The effects of the Barbary raids peaked in the early-to-mid-17th century. Long after Europeans had abandoned oar-driven vessels in favor of sailing ships carrying tons of powerful cannon, many Barbary warships were galleys carrying a hundred or more fighting men armed with cutlasses and small arms.