American Thinker,
by
Stephen B. Young
Original Article
Posted by
DVC
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11/22/2023 11:18:12 AM
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Most Americans seem to have forgotten our first war against Muslims. In the late 18th century, our objection to Islamist practice was their piracy and slaving against our ships and sailors in the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1794, provoked by Algerian captures of American ships, our Congress authorized construction of the first six ships of the U.S. Navy, including the U.S.S. Constitution, still in commissioned service and now docked in Boston.
In 1795, our diplomats negotiated treaties with the Muslim states of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli to pay them tribute for the privilege of free passage.
But in 1801, the Pasha of Tripoli, citing late payments of tribute, demanded additional money