Today's American Minute — Algiers
Jefferson & The Barbary Pirate Wars with Morocco, Algiers, Tunis & Tripoli - American Minute with Bill Federer
Algiers Jefferson & The Barbary Pirate Wars with Morocco Tunis & Tripoli
 |
|
|
|
Immediately after Jefferson became President in 1801, Barbary pirates demanded $225,000, plus an annual tribute of $25,000. When Jefferson refused, the Pasha (Lord) of Tripoli declared war -- the first war the U.S. was in after becoming a nation. Jefferson sent U.S. frigates to the Mediterranean to protect American shipping.