Author Joseph Wheelan has marvelously captured the story of America’s war against the Barbary pirates, our first war against terror and the nations that supported it. Two centuries ago, without congressional or public debate, the ostensibly pacifist President Thomas Jefferson launched America’s first war on foreign soil. The Barbary pirates, a Muslim enemy from Tripoli, attacked European and American merchant shipping with impunity. With telling illustrations, Jefferson’s War traces the events surrounding the evolution of the third president’s resolute belief that peace with the Barbary States, and respect from Europe, could be achieved only through the “medium of war.” Jefferson ordered the U.S. Navy to Tripoli in 1801 to repel “force with force.” The Barbary War was also a proving ground for such young officers as William Bainbridge, Stephen Decatur, Isaac Hull, and David Porter—key players in the impending War of 1812 against Great Britain. Readers who enjoy military and naval history, presidential biographies and accounts of the early American republic, will find that Joseph Wheelan’s spirited narrative of Jefferson’s war provides an important new perspective on America’s struggles with terror—then and now.
Description:
Author Joseph Wheelan has marvelously captured the story of America’s war against the Barbary pirates, our first war against terror and the nations that supported it. Two centuries ago, without congressional or public debate, the ostensibly pacifist President Thomas Jefferson launched America’s first war on foreign soil. The Barbary pirates, a Muslim enemy from Tripoli, attacked European and American merchant shipping with impunity. With telling illustrations, Jefferson’s War traces the events surrounding the evolution of the third president’s resolute belief that peace with the Barbary States, and respect from Europe, could be achieved only through the “medium of war.” Jefferson ordered the U.S. Navy to Tripoli in 1801 to repel “force with force.” The Barbary War was also a proving ground for such young officers as William Bainbridge, Stephen Decatur, Isaac Hull, and David Porter—key players in the impending War of 1812 against Great Britain. Readers who enjoy military and naval history, presidential biographies and accounts of the early American republic, will find that Joseph Wheelan’s spirited narrative of Jefferson’s war provides an important new perspective on America’s struggles with terror—then and now.