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How the Navy came to protect cargo ships

Planet Money

CHAPTER

Confronting the Barbary Pirates

This chapter explores America's early military engagement against the Barbary pirates, focusing on Thomas Jefferson's refusal to pay tribute and his decision to utilize the U.S. Navy to protect trade routes. It highlights a dramatic hostage crisis involving American sailors and the strategic actions proposed to ensure their freedom, ultimately shaping the narrative of America's commitment to freedom of navigation on the high seas.

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