March
10
/ 2023
Since its foundation in 1775 the United States has become well known for its tendency to intervene in foreign countries when its national security is threatened. But while much has been written and discussed about the recent errors of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, very little attention has been given to the United States of America’s adventure to North Africa in the 19th century. The earliest and perhaps most successful example of American interventionism, the Barbary Wars, raged between 1801 and 1815, pitting American seamen and marines against fearsome Mediterranean pirates. However, unlike many of their later invasions, and viewed in its proper historical context, it seems American actions here were fully justified. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"104795","attributes":{"alt":"A Barbary pirate, by Pier Francesco Mola, (1650)
