Jefferson and the Barbary War

Jefferson & the Barbary War

Jefferson 73, Burr 73 (became VP), Adams 65, C.C. Pinckney 64
"Revolution of 1800" - ended First Party System - began Virginia Dynasty
republican ideals of limited government, peace, military reform, western expansion
1801 Inauguration in new Federal City - design of L'Enfant based on Versailles
unfinished Capitol and President's House
"Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none" - Jefferson's First Inaugural

Military Peace Establishment Act of 1802 - officers cut 33%
West Point created 1802 to reform the military , after 1812 to train engineer corps
7 of 13 frigates mothballed and construction of new frigates suspended
favored inexpensive gunboats and balloons to defend coastline
Fulton's steam battery

pasha of Tripoli cut down flag May 14, 1801 - end of treaty system
"humiliation of Bainbridge" - took tribute to Sultan in Constantinople Oct. 1800 - "You pay me tribute, therefore you are my slaves."
Jefferson had opposed Federalist treaties - honor and justice required war
Journal of the Captivity and Sufferings of John Foss published 1798
consuls Richard O'Brien, James Cathcart, Wm Eaton opposed tribute

Richard Dale & 3 frigates to Gibraltar 1801 - patrols, then blockade of Tripoli
Richard Morris & 6 frigates to Gibraltar 1802
Edward Preble & 6 frigates attacked Tripoli harbor 1803, but USS Philadelphia captured Oct. 31
Stephen Decatur led 62 "volunteers" - burned Philadelphia Feb. 16, 1804
Preble bombarded Tripoli Aug. 3, 1804 - Decatur led gunboats - but no landing
"Dealing with the Arabs" by David Carter

enlist help of rival Moslem Prince Hamet in Egypt and march mercenary army overland to Tripoli to attack from weak land side
Lt. Presley O'Bannon with 7 Marines, 400 Moslems, 107 camels, 20 cannon
captured Derna April 27, 1805
treaties signed with Barbary states to end war, although fighting continued to 1816

Suliman Mellimelli from Tunis - 1st Moslem emissary to U.S.
permanent U.S. presence established in Mediterranean - Navy Agents at Malta, Syracuse, Naples - Med. Squadron patrolled from Cape St. Vincent to Alexandria
triumph of republican honor over federalist tribute - principle over expediency
Navy used as offensive weapon - Adams said Jefferson was true "father" of the U.S. Navy - morale high and heroes such as Decatur praised
Jefferson's "agonizing reassesment" of 3 principles: pacifism, economy, navy reform

revised 9/22/01 | Class Page