Anniversary of the First Barbary War today.

[Andy Griffith]

Today marks the 209th anniversary that Tripoli declared war on the United States.

It is very important in many, many ways.

• It was our first "international" war not fought in North America
• It was our first war as a complete nation
• It was our first triumph in international politics
• It also showed other nations the potential of this little nation's backbone

We actually paid tribute to Tripoli before that time for "safe passage" of American ships through that part of the Mediterranean Sea. Jefferson put a stop to this practice and refused to pay the $83,000 a year to them which we agreed to do in a treaty signed with them in 1796.

It was a nasty little war that lasted about four years. Very interesting- look it up if you aren't familiar with it.

Also interesting, the oldest military monument in the US is dedicated to those who fought in this, our first war after becoming a nation. It is carved marble and was commissioned in Italy and brought to the U.S. on the USS Constitution in 1806. It now resides at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

I have always liked the tokens that were made at that time. They looked the Large US Cent of that era with the slogan "Millions for Defense-NOT One Cent for Tribute!"

 

[1 old 0311]

Plus it works in REAL well with the Marine Corp Hymn.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
In over 200 years the BGs still having learned "NEVER P--- O-- the U.S. Marines"!

 

[Peter M. Eick]

If you get a chance, go to the museum in Tripoli. They have some great artifacts from that time frame and a good history of the war. Kind of slants to the losers though.

 

[amd6547]

If you read about the exploits of Stephen Decatur in that war, you will find out about one of the earliest "special ops" conducted by the US military.