Treaty by Broadside: The Marines at Algiers

This episode covers the Second Barbary War. This was a fast, brutal campaign that forced Algiers to the table through naval strength, not diplomacy. For decades, the Barbary states extorted the U.S. and Europe through tribute, ransom, and slavery. Early American efforts to buy peace only deepened the humiliation. By 1815, with the War of 1812 behind them, the United States had had enough. In less than six weeks, the U.S. secured one of the most decisive and one-sided treaties in its early history. The war's impact went far beyond our own citizens. It inspired Britain to follow suit, leading to one of the most destructive bombardments of the 19th century.