The Barbary Wars: U.S. Naval Action Against Tripoli in the Mediterranean

The Barbary Wars: U.S. Naval Action Against Tripoli in the Mediterranean

In 1801, President Thomas Jefferson dispatched U.S. warships to the Mediterranean in response to the Barbary Wars. The Barbary States (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, Morocco) demanded tribute from merchant vessels; non-payment led to piracy and enslavement of crews.

Conflict with Tripoli

• The Pasha of Tripoli demanded a massive tribute increase. Jefferson refused.
• Commodore Edward Preble blockaded Tripoli harbor.
• The USS Philadelphia ran aground and was captured (1803).
• Stephen Decatur led a daring raid to burn the captured frigate (1804).
• William Eaton and Marine Lt. Presley O'Bannon led a land expedition, capturing Derna (1805)—"to the shores of Tripoli."

Treaty of 1805

Tripoli agreed to release U.S. prisoners, cease tribute demands, and accept a ransom payment. The U.S. Marines' hymn commemorates Derna. This established U.S. naval credibility and ended the First Barbary War.