Book Post #2

          The first major interactions between the nascent United States and ill defined Middle East were not friendly. In the North African territories of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli (commonly known as the Barbara's States), American merchant vessels were being commandeered and their sailors were taken hostage. The Barbary States demanded that countries wishing to guarantee the safe passage of their ships pay tribute. President Thomas Jefferson determined that to continue to pay tribute would set a dangerous precedent. In May of 1801, Tripoli declared war on the U.S. In response, Congress gave Jefferson authority to direct forces against the Barbary States, though the U.S. never officially declared war. Jefferson sent six frigates to protect American vessels, and after a number of naval engagements in Tripoli, the a peace treaty was reached with the Pasha of Tripoli. However, this did nothing to stop pirates from Algiers and Tunis. In 1815, Congress authorized naval squadrons to be deployed to Algiers. Again the U.S. engaged in small scale naval warfare with the Barbary States, and by July they had forced the Barbary States into negotiations. The outcome was that the Barbary States agreed to end its piracy against the U.S., to release all American captives, and to pay $10,000 in compensation for pirated goods. 

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