James Early and Scott will be doing a nine-part series starting tomorrow called Key Battles of the Barbary Wars (1801-1815). We look at an infant United States try to assert itself in the Atlantic World, as North African pirates demand tribute, capture crews, and do everything it can to humiliate the nation as European powers looked on, wondering if the new nation would be project any sort of power beyond its shores.

New episodes every Thursday.

James Early and Scott will be doing a nine-part series starting tomorrow called Key Battles of the Barbary Wars (1801-1815). We look at an infant United States try to assert itself in the Atlantic World, as North African pirates demand tribute, capture crews, and do everything it can to humiliate the nation as European powers looked on, wondering if the new nation would be project any sort of power beyond its shores.
New episodes every Thursday.

For history lovers who listen to podcasts, History Unplugged is the most comprehensive show of its kind. It's the only show that dedicates episodes to both interviewing experts and answering questions from its audience. First, it features a call-in show where you can ask our resident historian (Scott Rank, PhD) absolutely anything (What was it like to be a Turkish sultan with four wives and twelve concubines? If you were sent back in time, how would you kill Hitler?). Second, it features long-form interviews with best-selling authors who have written about everything. Topics include gruff World War II generals who flew with airmen on bombing raids, a war horse who gained the rank of sergeant, and presidents who gave their best speeches while drunk.

A show about American history, world history, World Wars 1 & 2, the Civil War, and much more.

History Unplugged Podcast

For history lovers who listen to podcasts, History Unplugged is the most comprehensive show of its kind. It's the only show that dedicates episodes to both interviewing experts and answering questions from its audience. First, it features a call-in show where you can ask our resident historian (Scott Rank, PhD) absolutely anything (What was it like to be a Turkish sultan with four wives and twelve concubines? If you were sent back in time, how would you kill Hitler?). Second, it features long-form interviews with best-selling authors who have written about everything. Topics include gruff World War II generals who flew with airmen on bombing raids, a war horse who gained the rank of sergeant, and presidents who gave their best speeches while drunk.

History Unplugged

New Series Launches Tomorrow: Key Battles of the Barbary Wars (with James Early)

The 1807 Treaty with Tripoli ended the First Barbary War, allowing American ships to sail freely in the Mediterranean without tribute payments. This victory spurred national pride, with many Americans viewing the war as a continuation of their revolutionary ideals. However, new challenges emerged in the Atlantic as the Napoleonic Wars intensified, pressuring U.S. trade. Jefferson's attempt to protect American neutrality through an embargo on Britain and France faced domestic resistance and ultimately proved ineffective. Tensions boiled over with the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, where a British warship attacked the U.S. Chesapeake, pushing the nations closer to conflict.

In the Mediterranean, American withdrawals left U.S. ships vulnerable, leading to renewed pirate attacks that forced the U.S. to resume tribute payments. Jefferson's preference for a small, defensive fleet backfired, and America soon found itself unable to protect its Mediterranean interests. By 1812, escalating disputes with Britain led the U.S. to declare war, hoping British preoccupation with France would offer an advantage. American victories, particularly the USS Constitution's successes and the Battle of New Orleans, bolstered U.S. morale. The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 without territorial gains, but American resilience was solidified, and the British eventually ceased impressing American sailors.

The 1807 Treaty with Tripoli ended the First Barbary War, allowing American ships to sail freely in the Mediterranean without tribute payments. This victory spurred national pride, with many Americans viewing the war as a continuation of their revolutionary ideals. However, new challenges emerged in the Atlantic as the Napoleonic Wars intensified, pressuring U.S. trade. Jefferson's attempt to protect American neutrality through an embargo on Britain and France faced domestic resistance and ultimately proved ineffective. Tensions boiled over with the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, where a British warship attacked the U.S. Chesapeake, pushing the nations closer to conflict.
In the Mediterranean, American withdrawals left U.S. ships vulnerable, leading to renewed pirate attacks that forced the U.S. to resume tribute payments. Jefferson's preference for a small, defensive fleet backfired, and America soon found itself unable to protect its Mediterranean interests. By 1812, escalating disputes with Britain led the U.S. to declare war, hoping British preoccupation with France would offer an advantage. American victories, particularly the USS Constitution's successes and the Battle of New Orleans, bolstered U.S. morale. The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 without territorial gains, but American resilience was solidified, and the British eventually ceased impressing American sailors.

Key Battles of the Barbary War, Episode 7:  An Uneasy Peace -- The Interbellum Period and the War of 1812

With the Japanese taking control around the Pacific in early 1941, it became apparent that more resources and ships would be needed if there was any hope to defend against and defeat those forces. It was determined that several previously manufactured vessels could be converted to better suit the needs for this type of warfare.

This is why a Cleveland class light cruiser was turned into an aircraft carrier, becoming the USS Princeton (nicknamed “Sweet P”). From humble beginnings it had incredible exploits in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

In this episode we explore what life was like aboard this vessel from the people who were aboard, ” detailing various battles in the campaign against the Japanese, every day decisions, and technical aspects of such a ship. We’re joined by David Leick, author of “USS Princeton: The Life and Loss of ‘Sweet P,’” to see an account of one of the first light aircraft carriers through to its eventual sinking.

With the Japanese taking control around the Pacific in early 1941, it became apparent that more resources and ships would be needed if there was any hope to defend against and defeat those forces. It was determined that several previously manufactured vessels could be converted to better suit the needs for this type of warfare.
This is why a Cleveland class light cruiser was turned into an aircraft carrier, becoming the USS Princeton (nicknamed “Sweet P”). From humble beginnings it had incredible exploits in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
In this episode we explore what life was like aboard this vessel from the people who were aboard, ” detailing various battles in the campaign against the Japanese, every day decisions, and technical aspects of such a ship. We’re joined by David Leick, author of “USS Princeton: The Life and Loss of ‘Sweet P,’” to see an account of one of the first light aircraft carriers through to its eventual sinking.

The Scramble for More Aircraft Carriers in WW2 Meant Retrofitting Cruisers Into These Sorts of Ships

With the Japanese taking control around the Pacific in early 1941, it became apparent that more resources and ships would be needed if there was any hope to defend against and defeat those forces. It was determined that several previously manufactured vessels could be converted to better suit the needs for this type of warfare.
This is why a Cleveland class light cruiser was turned into an aircraft carrier, becoming the USS Princeton (nicknamed “Sweet P”). From humble beginnings it had incredible exploits in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
In this episode we explore what life was like aboard this vessel from the people who were aboard, ” detailing various battles in the campaign against the Japanese, every day decisions, and technical aspects of such a ship. We’re joined by David Leick, author of “USS Princeton: The Life and Loss of ‘Sweet P,’” to see an account of one of the first light aircraft carriers through to its eventual sinking.

New Series Launches Tomorrow: Key Battles of the Barbary Wars (with James Early)

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