From Commentary:
The first challenge the nascent United States faced was the problem of the Barbary Pirates, who operated from a collection of city-states along the north coast of Africa. They demanded tribute from all who would ply those waters, and woe unto the vessels bearing the flag of a nation that did not pay the Danegeld.
The youthful United States paid the tribute at first, but beginning with the administration of Thomas Jefferson, that changes. Instead of sending gold, he sent wood and iron and canvas — and men. The United States Navy accepted the challenge of the Barbary Pirates, and crossed the Atlantic to face them down. And it was then that the United States Marine Corps won the battles that are celebrated in the second line of the Marine Hymn: “…to the shores of Tripoli.”
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The first challenge the nascent United States faced was the problem of the Barbary Pirates, who operated from a collection of city-states along the north coast of Africa. They demanded tribute from all who would ply those waters, and woe unto the vessels bearing the flag of a nation that did not pay the Danegeld.
The youthful United States paid the tribute at first, but beginning with the administration of Thomas Jefferson, that changes. Instead of sending gold, he sent wood and iron and canvas — and men. The United States Navy accepted the challenge of the Barbary Pirates, and crossed the Atlantic to face them down. And it was then that the United States Marine Corps won the battles that are celebrated in the second line of the Marine Hymn: “…to the shores of Tripoli.”
Read more ....