Jefferson's War: America's First War on Terror 1801-1805

by Joseph Wheelan

Author Joseph Wheelan has marvelously captured the story of America’s war against the Barbary pirates, our first war against terror and the nations that support it. The Barbary pirates, a Muslim enemy from Tripoli, attacked European and American merchant shipping with impunity. Jefferson ordered the U.S. Navy to Tripoli in 1801 to repel "force with force." The Barbary War was also a proving ground for such young officers as William Bainbridge, Stephen Decatur, Isaac Hull, and David Porter –key players in the impending War of 1812 against Great Britain.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction, Presidents, Audiobook, Military History, Military Fiction

464 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2001

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very, very good. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have read devoted exclusively to the US/Barbary Wars. By including the dynamics of Europe with the fledgling United States, the author provided some thought provoking concepts of why the Barbary Wars were in the best interests of the European Powers. I find that most authors focus exclusively on the start of the US Navy, instead of adding the European perspective. I would encourage the reader to be familiar with the events of the time period before reading, especially the decline of the French royalty and the beginning of the French Revolution. I highly encourage a reader of early US history to read this one.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal account of the Barbary wars that we didn't seem to learn about in school.
The Barbary wars were the first real wars the U.S. fought in as an independent nation, the battles included: the first planting of the U.S. flag on foreign soil, the epic night op to destroy the frigate Philadelphia by Stephen Decatur and the battle of Derne with William Eaton.
Included: Lots and lots of pirates! Lessons in giving in to the demands of tyrannical kings, politics, 19 cent. duals and their dismal waste of good men's lives.
There are just so many lessons here.
Not to mention: our founding fathers were actually badasses.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people claim that Muslims have been part of the fabric of America since its founding. I guess that is true and historically born out by facts presented in this book Jefferson's War: America's First War on Terror 1801-1805. Muslim countries along the northern coast of Africa made a business out of piracy by attacking and capturing ships making their way through that area including trading ships from the United States. They would then bargain for ransom to release the ships and the crew and passengers if their price was agreed to. This is pretty much what has been happening more recently today around Somolia; I guess it's in their nature. If the ransom was not paid, the cargo was confiscated and the people were sold into slavery. Generally, the European powers met the ransom demands and some paid an annual tribute to the Islamic powers to mitigate the impact on their trade including the US. As the demands escalated some countries resisted and fought back until the Pirates moderated their demands and soon were back demanding tribute and ransom. The United States, under President Thomas Jefferson, decided it had enough of this mistreatment and piracy by the Barbary states and sent a naval contingent to the Mediterranean to deal with the situation. It took time but our naval forces and marines eventually forced a treaty and gained freedom for our citizens who had been kept as slaves under harsh working conditions. This military action gave rise to words in the Marine Corp Hymn "to the shores of Tripoli" and created a new respect for our fledgling country and its navy. Well written and loaded with detail this book will help you understand America's early history with Muslim countries, which seems to be recurring today!

[Dr. Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written, readable history of important events in the early development of the USA, its struggle against the Barbary pirates to whom European nations had paid tribute for centuries, and the unspeakable cruelty with which these piratical nations treated their captives who were enslaved or sold as slaves if not ransomed. It is particularly enthralling for its description of the outstanding military and personnel management skills of the U. S. Marine's first hero who led a 500+ mile desert march to his objective during which he had to retain the services of mercenary tribes which were always on the verge of murder and desertion; and of how his efforts to defeat the Barbary pirates and to free their American captives without ransom payment or future piracy toward American ships.were consistently sabotaged by Washington's former secretary (then a consul general) after Washington's death, this man hoping thereby to gain fame and a fortune. The book reminds us of how weak the USA was at that time, it having a population of just three million, virtually no armed forces, and being heavily in debt to Europe. And also that, unfortunately, government promises may prove unreliable.

[Joel Trono-Doerksen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an exceedingly jingoistic, unscholarly, ludicrous retelling of the Barbary Wars. Like many authors writing about this historical event, the author feels the need to compare the Barbary corsairs to Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. As I have said before, this is a stupid comparison. The only reason is it made is so neoconservative Americans to attack Islam and to claim that "the war with radical Islam has been going on forever." The book itself, filled with typos, is quite antiquated. Its citation format is dated as is its spelling of the word Muslim (spelt Moslem). The names of most of the Muslim characters are spelt how Americans would have spelt them in the 18th century (Mahomet, Hamet, Soliman, Unis). On the second page the author mentions that Europeans called Barbary corsair attacks "The Terror", for which he gives no citation and in all the books and articles and primary sources I have read about this subject, which is a lot, I have never once heard it called "The Terror". The only reason that this made up fact is used is so that once again the connection between the Barbary Wars and the War on Terror can be made. Later on the author extols of the virtues of America while castigating the Barbary states as "medieval, closed, tyrannical and corrupt." He goes on to state that it would "difficult to find more dissimilar nations than the United States and the...Barbary States." This of course is true seeing as how the amount of slaves in all the Barbary states numbered hardly above 10,000 while across the ocean over 600,000 slaves laboured for Americans, one of whom is the name sake of this very book! The author rarely mentions black slavery in America while going on and on about slavery in Barbary. In the third chapter he opens with a quote from the Quran book 9 verse 5, or the verse of the sword, taking the verse totally out of context and without explanation leaving the reader to think, unless he or she possesses a brain, that Islam is a religion of violence. Chapter two, the introduction to the history of the Barbary states, relies heavily on two books, one written in 1901, that simply restate Orientalist ramblings about the East. The newest book the author uses for this chapter was published in 1984. The author's bibliography is tiny and which I would probably add 5 or 6 books that he should have read before writing this one. This of course does not come as a surprise because the author is a journalist by profession and has little to no academic historical training. In a few years I will be more qualified to write a history book than him. All in all, the book does not add anything to the field of study, it does not profess any new ideas like all good history books should. It simply recycles the old stereotypes of Muslims as violent, bloodthirsty, greedy tyrants, adding in a few "ra-ra-ra America is great" jingoisms, and attempts to compare them to todays Muslims. I would recommend this book only to smart people who are capable of seeing that this book is pack of silliness.

[Bob Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jefferson's War is an insightful look into an over looked period of American History.

In 1800, on the cusp of Thomas Jefferson's election, the United States was still finding itself. Having survived the American Revolution, the upheaval of the establishment of the Constitution, and the early struggles of the 1790s, the United States now faced the difficult task of establishing itself on the world theater. The Barbary War of 1801-1805 enabled the US to do just that.

Wheelan does an excellent job of tracing the history of Jefferson's problems with the Barbary States and his decision to launch the United States on its first foreign war.

What follows is one of the most fascinating stories ever described. The events of the Barbary War would make a wonderful action movie...and the most remarkable aspect is the historicity of the events.

On this stage walk Stephen Decauter and Edward Preble, early heroes of the US Navy. We read of their thrilling adventures at sea, their intrigues and the political backdrop of a world at war.

Wheelan is at his best describing the sea actions of the various sailors and personalities. His vivid imagery puts the reader on the deck of the USS Constitution or in the prison in Tripoli.

This book is important to read some of the current military and political struggles we are currently facing. It is difficult for Americans to remember that this is not the first time we have declared war on Muslim nations. By understanding these earlier wars, we might be able to get a grasp on the current struggles in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I highly recommend this book for its timely subject matter and vividness of writing.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enterprise over Tripoli, after 3 weeks as pacifist President, preyed on Christians for 200 years, Tripoli declared war first, Adams last days sold all 30 ships, slavery for centuries by Muslims, redemptorists paid for 15K, excuse of Koran to conduct aggression, justice honor respect least expensive option, Adams wanted to purchase peace, 1793 Washington epidemic malaria and yellow fever, Algiers slavery you shall eat stones, Merchant Marine Act increased shipping, build ships for optimal speed and firepower, Alliance last one auctioned off in 1785 for $26K, 50year live oak of Carolinas vs 10yr white oak, model after French vs larger 3story Brits, security payments by European countries to Tripoli Algiers Tunis as Shaw demanded, Nelson advocated swift reprisal, Philadelphia aground surrender commando raid by Intrepid and Decatur, kill or be killed, fiercer better trained better lead, Fort Enterprise, freedom from tyranny and prisons.

[Quinndara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about U.S. history in the 1800's. I did not know about America's war with Tripoli or of the people who were involved. The author writes a good story that involves politics, economics, heroes, adventures and the birth of the U.S. Navy. Although bumbling at first, the Navy finally freed America from the Barbary pirates and the tributes they demanded. For 200 years Europeans had been paying tributes to these countries. America, under Jefferson, showed that peace could be won through force. After the American's were triumphant, Britain, France and other European countries followed suit. Jefferson's policies, and the Naval heroes who fought, freed the U.S. from Islamic tyranny.

[Warren Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, entertaining read. I was totally unfamiliar with the brazen piracy that the Barbary Coast engaged in during the years immediately before the war of 1812.

The book offered a great explanation of not only the "whos and wheres" but the "why" as well. The reader will end up with an excellent understanding of the events that led up to and the ultimate resolution of the Barbary War.

[Renn Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jefferson warned us through his presidency of the very real threat posed by the radical Islamic Muslim terrorists or extremism in his dealings with the Barbary pirates. Jefferson said that they pose the biggest threat to American Freedoms and our way of life, should we become complacent. Well, here we are, dealing with terrorism and threats posed by the fanaticism, our politicians sold us out. A real eye opener for those who choose to pull their head out of the sand.

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this history of America's first foreign war. It does an excellent job of showing the challenges, the geopolitics, the personalities, and strategies of the various combatants. Recommend this book to anyone desiring to learn more about the Barbary Wars.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I'm not entirely convinced about the parallels between the Barbary Wars and the GWOT, Wheelan deftly blends military and diplomatic narratives into a readable and cohesive study.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rich, detailed history of the Barbary Wars that tries too hard to link itself to America's post 9/11 war against Islamic extremism.

Wheelan's 2004 history of the Barbary Wars ("from the shores of Tripoli....") is, on its own, a perfectly enjoyable history of America's first war in foreign waters and foreign soil. Brimming with colorful details about the Barbary states and the havoc they wreaked on European and American shipping.

The book does a wonderful job detailing the lengths those states took to try to mollify the various Shahs, Deys, and Beys with tribute, peace treaties that were inevitably broken when the Barbary states wanted more tribute, and just general obsequiousness by Europe and America until the relatively weak America finally decided to push back.

What stands out here that is sometimes lost in modern retellings of the Barbary Wars is the sheer distance between American ships in the area and home station. This was not a situation where orders could be transmitted in real time so Captains had lengthy periods of time to interpret their orders and mission before the next set of instructions came (if it came at all...the book has a great anecdote of an American postal clerk who just didn't send hundreds of pieces of mail for months).

The book's main failure (and a relatively minor one) is in it's subtitle -- Wheelan tries in the intro to equate the Barbary pirates to Al Qaeda and it just doesn't hold. The Barbary corsairs were motivated by greed, not ideology and while their Islamic faith influenced how they treated non-Muslim prisoners, their pursuit of jihad via piracy was far more basically a desire for wealth. Wheelan's ham-fisted attempts to draw a linkage just doesn't fly. Admittedly this only occurs briefly in the introduction and after that we get a straightforward history of the development of the American Navy and the war against the pirates.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read 38%.

[Justinian]

Book Review: Jefferson's War: America's First War on Terror 1801-1805
Author = Joseph Wheelan . 2004. 464 Pages


I often quiz and stump Cadets with the following question; “What is the US’s first overseas conflict?” Invariably maybe one in a hundred will get it right. Alas, most cannot name the continent or even the era. Yet, this now mostly forgotten conflict is a story which deserves to be told and remembered.


The author of this book does a wonderful job telling the tale without getting the reader bogged down in minutia and detail. The sweep and grandeur is preserved, while the serious scholar can use the bibliography and notes for additional detailed inquiry. The strength of this book is in its readability. The author enhances this by using character sketches of some notable and colorful characters who are part of the truth is stranger than fiction aspect of this tale. Some depth of character is provided on each of the many sides of this conflict as the individuals are encountered.


The weakness in this book is the authors desire to tie the events of the First and Second Barbary Wars to the post 9-11 (2001) struggle against terrorism. He uses comparisons of actions and reactions while omitting contrasts for the most part. It is evident that the author has a bias towards armed action as a solution. This is interesting as much of the book is about the politics behind the conflict and solutions to the conflict. In the end Clausewitz is confirmed as it was a political struggle and a political solution. The author attempts to diminish this by casting the political maneuvering towards a solution dimly or poorly while up playing the military activities and accomplishments … even as they were done towards those political goals he disparages.


It is easy enough to dismiss the author’s attempts to tie the past to the present. I am not sure if he did this because he felt the original story was not captivating enough (and it certainly is captivating enough) or if he is trying to use the past to interject a point in the present and future policy debate. None the less it speaks more to the authors and perhaps many in America feelings. A visceral desire for blood, to inflict pain. In a real sense it is most akin to the concept of honor which lead to so much death in that period on the dueling grounds. This short sighted, thin skinned way of life which sees a slight in a glance, a word, or an inaction which must be avenged. There is a reason it was banned, outlawed and shunned … but perhaps it lingers in the national psyche just needing to be scratched to be brought back to the fore.


Emotions and reactions aside this book when it dwells on the epic events and actions of the First and Second Barbary Wars is an excellent and informative tome.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book caught my attention – did anyone else know that the United States had a war on terror prior to the current one? I sure didn’t. I also knew a scant amount about the Barbary pirates, and what I did know was certainly much more current than the early 1800’s. While I was initially concerned that the title might just be drawing on current events, this book was quite interesting and informative.

This is a war that I was never taught about in school, and I think I can safely assume that many others haven’t either. The United States and many other ocean-faring countries of Europe faced the real threat that the Barbary pirates would attack their ships, take their cargoes, and potentially kill members of their crew or take slaves/prisoners. The United States was the first country to really flex its military muscle when it had enough of paying bribes to these pirate nations. Many of the great military naval heroes of the War of 1812 earned their stripes during these Barbary wars.

This book also read very much like a novel. It felt like an adventure story – you have exotic locales, daring acts of heroism, and anticipation. It was also something where I didn’t know what the outcomes would be – something I don’t usually get too often. The main focus was not so much on Jefferson, but we do learn about his feelings toward the pirates and his policy actions. I certainly think that this is an event that more people should know about and this book provides great information on the subject while still being an enjoyable read.

The narration of this book was very well done. The narrator was able to incite excitement and anticipation in the listener and led to an enjoyable listening experience.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to what you might expect from reading the title of this book, there's very little Jefferson in here. Which is a good thing because I despise Thomas Jefferson. And, if this book were about him I'd have to go off on a harangue about what a hypocritical sneaky son-of-a-bitch he is. Instead, I get to ramble about how great pirates and broadsides and 19th century sailing vessels are. Also the word scuttle is the shit.

The primary (and really only) problem with this book is the introduction where the author tries to be all topical and link the Barbary Wars with the Bush administration's "War on Terror". He stops drawing those parallels fairly early on, though, and settles into a rollicking recount of the relationships and battles of the Barbary Wars. This book is much more involving than Six Frigates (a book about the same general topic and time period). If you threw Jefferson's War into a time warp to 1801, I think you could use it as a recruitment tool for the early Navy.

[Christian D. D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly readable and informative account of the First Barbary War. You'll marvel at the heroic exploits of Andrew Sterrett, Edward Preble, Stephen Decatur, William Eaton, and Marine Corps Lt. Presley O'Bannon. You'll shake your head with frustration at the slowness and ineptitude of quasi-warriorsand Samuel Barron, and at the political duplicity of Tobias Lear (particularly his abandonment of valuable ally Hamet Karamanli--somewhat reminiscent of our abandonment of our abandonment of our South Vietnamese, Montagnard, and Hmong allies nearly two centuries later).

The author's coverage of the incompleteness of America's "victory" at the end of the First Barbary War (which eventualy would necessitate a Second such War) reminded me of the unifinshed business left over from the Korean War and the first Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm).

Overall, a fine piece of work by Mr. Wheelan.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well organized account of the Jefferson Administration's effort to deal with the so called Barbary pirates, the Muslim state sponsored marauders who were attacking European and American mariners. Most Christian countries were making annual protection payments to shield their sailors from captivity and slavery and the U.S. decided to take a stand. The story deals well with the fledgling American Navy as it gains experience which will be valuable as the war with England looms. There is an effective intelligence operative (CIA/subcontractor-style) leading a small group of U.S. Marines and a large group of disenfranchised Arabs who make a very good account of themselves "on the shores of Tripoli" and some underhanded bureaucrats who short circuit things by taking advantage of the months long communication delays to serve their own interests. This is a good story of an early win for the American way.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Jefferson's War: America's First War on Terror 1801-1805 by Joseph Wheelan a while ago. The book was excellent. It highlighted something that absolutely bears repetition; the West's conflict with the Near East, or Muslim world is nothing new, Diplomacy will help bring pauses but ultimately force is the only thing that seems to work consistently. That is a lesson that Israel learned, and is showing success with the sudden friendship of the Sunni world.

The book highlights the atrocity of "white slavery." The beys and sultans of the Barbary Coast held people and ships for tribute. The Europeans paid, presumably because of geographical proximity to continued harassment. The U.S., not so constrained, went to war. When was the last time Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia or Libya captured a U.S. ship? Probably back in the early 1800's. The Somali pirates may need a similar "lesson in manners."

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wheelan provides a very readable history of the Barbary Wars, which have gotten relatively little attention given their status as America's first war. Jefferson's War has some very interesting parts, and, reading it, I discovered how little I had previously learned about that episode of American history.

I have two criticisms of the book, though I think that one is much fairer than the other. First, Wheelan opens the book with a somewhat tortured comparison between the Barbary Wars and today's War on Terror and then never properly develops that idea. I understand the impetus to make the subject seem more relevant to current events and to sex up what could be seen as arcana with a sweeping provocative thesis... But, it didn't fit. My less-fair complaint is that it includes a few narrative accounts of naval battles. I suppose some people like those, but I find them tedious.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jefferson! Pirates! Buckles being swashed! Seemed worth picking up, and it was.

This is a solid, readable, and engaging history of the US engagement with the Barbary pirates, a fascinating chapter in American history.

The "selling point," that this was similar to the struggle against Al Qaeda, the Taliban or ISIS? It's simply absurd. Neither piracy nor terrorism are particularly pleasant...but they're not the same conceptually. Not at all. But then again, the book was published in 2003, so you needed some kind of hook to sell your book, I suppose.

Wheelan doesn't spend much time forwarding that thesis, thankfully...it's more of a gloss at the opening and conclusion, leaving the reader to move through a remarkable and unique period in American history. I enjoyed it.

3.25.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book and learning more about the First (and Second) Barbary War. It's a somewhat forgotten chapter in American history, but it kinda has it all - political intrigue and machinations, a president on a moral and years long mission to win America her rightful place in the world, swashbuckling adventures on the high seas, incompetent military leadership, the difficulties of the government managing military commanders, and a privately organized Lawrence of Arabia style invasion expedition across the African desserts, that after overcoming many odds was abandoned in the moment of victory. It's a great story, and well told.

[Rob Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid history of the Barbary War. The premise of the author is that this was the United States' first war on terrorism. A little stretch there, but there are some striking similarities. The theme that comes out though, is that this war established the Navy as a fighting force, prepared us for the War of 1812, and instilled confidence in a new republic. The book not only covers the military engagements, but more importantly, covers the diplomatic negotiations and politics of the Jefferson administration.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wheelan certainly uses numerous sources but Jefferson's War is mind-numbingly boring. Author goes off on all kinds of tangents that are not pertinent to Jefferson's war against the Barbary nations. Attempts to connect/relate the events of 1801-1805 to 9/11 and the years that follow but in spite of the fact that the Barbary nations do harass American (and European) ships the author does not demonstrate that this war was America's "first war on terror". Nowhere near as interesting or enjoyable as his book on John Quincy Adams.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being educated in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson, I joined the general chorus of reverence. However, the more I learn about the man and his methods, the less I like him. In fact, as the first Republican, he helped set the south on it's current path. However, he also understood that paying tribute to terrorists is ultimately much more costly than fighting them. Ronald Reagan, one of the founding fathers of modern Republicanism, could have taken a page from that book.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had little to do with Jefferson. In fact, Jefferson was the furthest thing on my mind as the details of this war started to unfold. My sister had just joined the Marines as I was reading this and I called her to rave about all of the information in this book. She of course had already learned all of this, but it was nice to be able to relate. This was a little known piece of our history and Wheelan did a great job writing about it.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little known to students of history or casual readers, America was embroiled in this first war of terror in North Africa over two hundred years ago providing naval experience for the next military adventure: The War of 1812. A solid look into this distant and largely unknown war along with a diverse cast of characters makes this book a swashbuckling read full of suspense and intrigue. There are a handful of typographical errors though, but it is still an enjoyable and captivating page-turner.

[David Seelye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was more focused on international politics than on the Muslim faith. The connections were minor but we won that war by sending in talented and motivated troops, half measures didn't work and local politics got in the way. The audio reader did sound like someone working for the recruitment office.

[Stuart]

I highly recommend this book. It is a great history of the early navy. The accomplishments of Preeble, Decatur, and Eaton rival any of the fictional adventures of Hornblower. The few quibbles (such as the stretch to link the Barbary piratry with modern day terrorism) do not undermine the fascinating content, strong writing and organization, and most of all historical characters.