Tripoli: The United States' First War on Terror

This book covers part of the early 19th century history of the United States - the war against the Barbary Coast pirates - that took place in the Presidencies of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. The culmination of the story is the battle for Derna in what is now Libya, and the main protagonist is William Eaton, who single-handedly forged a policy, sold it to the US Government, and carried it out. While the exciting narrative describes many military actions both on land and on sea, the reader is struck by the amazing patience and persistence of Eaton, first as consul and negotiator to the various Barbary Coast potentates, and secondly as a military leader seeking to restore the true successor to the throne of Tripoli - searching successfully for him amidst hostile forces in Egypt, and holding together a mixed army of Greeks, Arabs, and Americans during the long march to Derna From Alexandria. The book is a sound piece of military history that reads as well as any adventure story but contains ample references and endnotes for the historian. Heartily recommended.

I too read this book while on vacation. I found it to be a both enjoyable and fascinating history lesson. Having grown up outside the US, this was a period of the country's history that I knew little of. It is interesting to observe the parallels with today's war on terror.

I picked this up at the airport to read on vacation. I could not put it down. The Author does a great job getting you involved with all the characters and gives a great perspective on the early years of the United States.

Tripoli is a fascinating look into at the early 1800s and the United States' involvement in the Mediterranean. In movies the pirates are usually portrayed as romantic swashbucklers out to have adventures. In reality they ruled their part of the world with an iron fist demanding "gifts" from the governments of other countries. Of course, at the time they didn't call them bribes--but if the "gifts" weren't forthcoming, then war was declared on the country that didn't cooperate. William Eaton was first assigned to be the Consul in Tunis for the United States. The Bey, the pirate leader, demanded continual "gifts" escalating the value every six months. Eaton tried and tried to please the Bey but the demands became outlandish. Eventually the U.S. sent a warship to the area--but, were they at war? The Bey had declared war, but Captain Sterritt of the Enterprise had no word from his own government. Eventually word came and the Barbary Territories and the U.S. were officially at war. It was a long war with many battles. William Eaton became a general and led his men through many battles, culminating in the battle at the fort in Derna. This is an interesting look into the time when our country was young and trying to establish itself in the world of commerce, and the struggles we faced abroad as well as the courage and determination of the men involved. Armchair Interviews says: A well-done history lesson.