Rogue History

Why Did the U.S. Go to War with These Pirates?

Did you know that the United States’ first foreign war was with pirates? After the U.S. declared independence, Barbary pirates began capturing Americans in the Mediterranean and holding them for ransom. At one point, Congress agreed to pay them a huge portion of its federal budget. Join us as we uncover the truth behind the pirates that nearly snuffed out the U.S. economy.

Why Did the U.S. Go to War with These Pirates?

9m 12s

Did you know that the United States’ first foreign war was with pirates? After the U.S. declared independence, Barbary pirates began capturing Americans in the Mediterranean and holding them for ransom. At one point, Congress agreed to pay them a huge portion of its federal budget. Join us as we uncover the truth behind the pirates that nearly snuffed out the U.S. economy.

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