In the early 19th century, the United States faced significant challenges from Barbary pirates along the Mediterranean Coast, particularly from regions like Tripoli, Tunis, Morocco, and Algiers.
Jefferson opposed paying ransom to the pirates since this appeasement could only lead to further demands.
Why? When America was a British colony the Royal Navy protected American Ships from the pirates and during the revolution America's alliance with France protected them but after the revolution America had to fend for herself.
Where? the Barbary Coast: Tripoli, Tunis, Morocco, and Algiers along the Mediterranean Sea
What? Pirates attacking American Ships off of the Northern Coast of Africa.
Tunisian Envoy
Demands
Ransom for
captured American
sailors
Annual tribute
as insurance
against piracy
Concubines
Cultural
Differences
Performed "magic,"
to little success
First Muslim envoy
Pronounced Native
Americans heretical
when he found that
they worshipped none
of the major prophets
Due to observance
of Ramadan, dinner
was moved from 3:00
Mellimelli enthralled
Washington socialites
with flamboyant
actions
Purpose of Visit
To negotiate full restitotion
for captured vessels