The First Barbary War began in response to decades of harassment of American traders by North African pirates. Before becoming president, Thomas Jefferson faced renewed Barbary pirate attacks, with the Pasha of Tripoli threatening war unless more tribute was paid. Despite being known for his frugality and opposition to a naval buildup, Jefferson deployed a naval squadron, believing military force was cheaper and more effective than paying tribute. 

In 1801, after the U.S. failed to meet the Pasha’s demands, Tripoli declared war, leading to naval skirmishes, including a decisive early victory by the USS Enterprise. Jefferson's efforts to blockade Tripoli faced setbacks, including the capture of the American frigate Philadelphia and its crew. This loss raised the stakes, with the Pasha demanding an even larger ransom, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.

The First Barbary War began in response to decades of harassment of American traders by North African pirates. Before becoming president, Thomas Jefferson faced renewed Barbary pirate attacks, with the Pasha of Tripoli threatening war unless more tribute was paid. Despite being known for his frugality and opposition to a naval buildup, Jefferson deployed a naval squadron, believing military force was cheaper and more effective than paying tribute. 
In 1801, after the U.S. failed to meet the Pasha’s demands, Tripoli declared war, leading to naval skirmishes, including a decisive early victory by the USS Enterprise. Jefferson's efforts to blockade Tripoli faced setbacks, including the capture of the American frigate Philadelphia and its crew. This loss raised the stakes, with the Pasha demanding an even larger ransom, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.

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

Key Battles of the Barbary Wars, Episode 4: The First Barbary War (1801-05)

In Episode 6, we dive into two pivotal battles in the First Barbary War: Tripoli and Derne. It starts with  Stephen Decatur's dramatic assault on Tripoli Harbor in August 1804, where he led American gunboats against a larger Tripolitanian fleet, avenging his brother's death in single combat and shelling the city. Commodore Preble's daring attempts to destroy Tripoli's defenses are followed by the tragic loss of the USS Intrepid crew. 

We then move to William Eaton’s ambitious overland march with a small band of Marines and mercenaries across the Libyan desert to Derne. Facing hunger, mutiny, and harsh terrain, Eaton's force managed to surprise Derne’s defenders, capturing the city in America’s first coordinated land-sea assault. Despite Eaton’s victory, peace talks led by Tobias Lear overshadowed Eaton’s campaign, forcing a strategic withdrawal that left Hamet Karamanli, Eaton’s ally, without power. Eaton returned home as a hero, but haunted by the treaty’s outcome. This episode captures the challenges of America’s first overseas conflict and the complicated peace that followed. 

In Episode 6, we dive into two pivotal battles in the First Barbary War: Tripoli and Derne. It starts with  Stephen Decatur's dramatic assault on Tripoli Harbor in August 1804, where he led American gunboats against a larger Tripolitanian fleet, avenging his brother's death in single combat and shelling the city. Commodore Preble's daring attempts to destroy Tripoli's defenses are followed by the tragic loss of the USS Intrepid crew. 
We then move to William Eaton’s ambitious overland march with a small band of Marines and mercenaries across the Libyan desert to Derne. Facing hunger, mutiny, and harsh terrain, Eaton's force managed to surprise Derne’s defenders, capturing the city in America’s first coordinated land-sea assault. Despite Eaton’s victory, peace talks led by Tobias Lear overshadowed Eaton’s campaign, forcing a strategic withdrawal that left Hamet Karamanli, Eaton’s ally, without power. Eaton returned home as a hero, but haunted by the treaty’s outcome. This episode captures the challenges of America’s first overseas conflict and the complicated peace that followed.

Key Battles of the Barbary War, Episode 6: Swashbuckling Ship Battles and 500-Mile Desert Marches Won the First Barbary War

The 17th-century battlefield ushered in a new era, with formed musketeers and pistol-wielding cavalry gradually taking over from the knights and men-at-arms that had dominated the European battlefield. But knights could still be found on these battlefields as late as the 1640s, proudly donning their full-plated armor as their lightly clad compatriots looked on in a mix of envy and confusion. What were they doing fighting 17th-century battles?

Today’s guest is Myke Cole, author of “Steel Lobsters: Crown , Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England.” We examine the life and times of Sir Arthur Hesilrige and his Regiment of Horse, known as "the Lobsters" as they were encased in plate armor. We cover the full history of England's last knights, from the seeds of their creation in Hesilrige’s experience as a young cavalry officer, to their final defeat at Roundway Down in July 1643, and the decision to abandon their armor.

The 17th-century battlefield ushered in a new era, with formed musketeers and pistol-wielding cavalry gradually taking over from the knights and men-at-arms that had dominated the European battlefield. But knights could still be found on these battlefields as late as the 1640s, proudly donning their full-plated armor as their lightly clad compatriots looked on in a mix of envy and confusion. What were they doing fighting 17th-century battles? Today’s guest is Myke Cole, author of “Steel Lobsters: Crown , Commonwealth, and the Last Knights in England.” We examine the life and times of Sir Arthur Hesilrige and his Regiment of Horse, known as "the Lobsters" as they were encased in plate armor. We cover the full history of England's last knights, from the seeds of their creation in Hesilrige’s experience as a young cavalry officer, to their final defeat at Roundway Down in July 1643, and the decision to abandon their armor.

Knights Could Still Be Found on English Battlefields in the 1640s. What Were They Doing There?

The USS Philadelphia, launched in 1799, played a crucial role in early American naval history but was captured by Tripolitan forces in 1803 after running aground near Tripoli during the Barbary Wars. Captain William Bainbridge attempted to prevent its capture by lightening the ship and destroying key materials but was ultimately forced to surrender, leading to his crew’s captivity and increased ransom demands. Commodore Preble responded by planning to destroy the Philadelphia to prevent it from strengthening Tripoli's forces, selecting Lieutenant Stephen Decatur for a daring raid to set the frigate ablaze. Decatur and his crew succeeded in a swift, covert operation that won admiration back in the U.S. and internationally, shifting the balance of the war in America’s favor.

The USS Philadelphia, launched in 1799, played a crucial role in early American naval history but was captured by Tripolitan forces in 1803 after running aground near Tripoli during the Barbary Wars. Captain William Bainbridge attempted to prevent its capture by lightening the ship and destroying key materials but was ultimately forced to surrender, leading to his crew’s captivity and increased ransom demands. Commodore Preble responded by planning to destroy the Philadelphia to prevent it from strengthening Tripoli's forces, selecting Lieutenant Stephen Decatur for a daring raid to set the frigate ablaze. Decatur and his crew succeeded in a swift, covert operation that won admiration back in the U.S. and internationally, shifting the balance of the war in America’s favor.

Key Battles of the Barbary Wars, Episode 4: The First Barbary War (1801-05)

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