| At this point in American history,
the Barbary states, Algiers, Morocco, Tripoli, and Tunis were exacting tribute,
(bribes) from American merchant class ships sailing into the Mediterranean
Sea. The Barbary ports were heavily fortified with numerous corsairs manning
well armed, swift ships. By 1785, American ships were being captured regularly
and their crews enslaved. America was paying the Pasha of Tripoli $100,000
to ensure the safety and unimpeded passage of her ships. In June of 1801 the Pasha declared war on the U.S. An early American
expedition succeeded in landing a combined force of Marines and sailors which
burned several Tripolian ships. In Oct. of 1803, The U.S. frigate Philadelphia,
while on a punitive raid was captured after running aground with 43 Marines
and the crew taken. (Later, this ship was destroyed in the harbor during
a daring raid by U.S. Marines.) Approx. 400 Marines (4/5ths of the Corps) was embarked upon Naval
ships to eliminate Barbary threat to American shipping. Marine Operations
aboard naval ships continued through 1804. A plan was submitted by William Eaton, (to replace the belligerent
Pasha Yusuf Karamanti with his brother Hamet,) and was approved by President
Jefferson. Eaton sailed for Alexandria aboard USS Argus, which had a detachment of Marines commanded by Lt. Presly Neville O'Bannon.
On 29 Nov. O'Bannon, a Sergeant, and 6 Marines landed with Eaton and
by March 8, set out with Hamet, and 500 men, some Greek mercenaries paid
for with American gold: along with 107 camels overland through the desert
to capture Tripoli and install Hamet as the new ruler. After a march plagued by mutinies (which the Marines repeatedly suppressed,)
and, with the additions of native tribesmen the army of now nearly 1200 set
out for Derna. Supported by U.S. ships which proceeded to bombard the city
Eaton, O'Bannon the Marines and other troops attacked the city of Derna.
By 3:30 the American flag was raised over the captured citadel. Campaigns and dates:
- Enterprise vs Tripolian Tripoli Aug. 1, 1801
- Raid on Tripoli May 20, 1803
- Capture of Philadelphia by Tripolians Oct. 31, 1803
- Constitution, Siren, Argus, Scourge, Vixen, Nautilus, & Enterprisevs Tripolitian vessels Aug. 3, 1804
- Capture of Tripolian fortress at Derne-Triploi Apr. 25-27, 1805
Significant Events:
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