In addition to experiencing diplomatic problems with neighboring European powers in North America, the United States also had to deal with the Barbary pirates on the Mediterranean Sea.
<h3>What was the conflict between the United States and the Barbary pirates?</h3>
The United States had little money after winning its freedom from Great Britain, making it difficult to build and maintain a robust military. John Jay, the secretary of state under President Washington, decided to negotiate with the Barbary states in order to defend American trade ships. But it turned out that keeping the peace with North Africa was a never-ending battle. Numerous agreements were made between the United States and the Islamic nations of North Africa.
The Barbary pirates persisted in capturing American commerce vessels despite the treaties and rising tribute payments. Privateers captured the ships and their cargo as loot, then stripped, tied, and humiliated the crew in public parades.
Finally, Congress authorized the construction of a marine corps in 1798 and ordered six frigates for duty in the Mediterranean in 1794. Nearly 700 Americans were taken prisoner by Barbary privateers between 1784 and the end of the second Barbary War (1815). American tourists were deterred from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea by the Barbary pirates. Private merchants were deterred from attempting a trade in the Barbary waters by the pirates.
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