USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The two major European powers, Great Britain and France, found it expedient to encourage the Barbary States ’ policy and pay tribute to them, as it allowed their merchant shipping an increased share of the Mediterranean trade, and Barbary leaders chose not to challenge the superior British or French navies.

Detailed explanation-2: -The pirates demanded a payment called a tribute from foreign governments in exchange for the safe passage of its ships in the Mediterranean Sea. If no tribute was paid, the pirates would attack and capture the crews of foreign ships and sell them for a ransom or force them into slavery.

Detailed explanation-3: -President Madison responded by getting Congress to authorize military action against Algiers in February 1815. He sent a squadron of nine warships to end Barbary tribute.

Detailed explanation-4: -President Thomas Jefferson took office in 1801. Jefferson, who believed that paying off the pirates only led to more demands, announced that there would be no more tributes paid. Tripoli demanded a payment of $225, 000 on top of annual payments of $25, 000. Jefferson refused to pay, and Tripoli declared war on the US.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.