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

This book is about the "Barbary Wars" that the U.S. fought against several North African countries over paying tribute. This book was originally published only 2 years after the 9/11 attacks. I'm sure it was a very different experience I had reading the book in 2022 than its first readers. The book uncritically describes the U.S.'s past and current dealings with North Africa and the Middle East positively. I don't remember the book taking time to question whether or not the U.S. had the right to interfere in those areas, and if they did have the right, whether the U.S. acted in a just and effective manner there.

The information felt thoroughly researched. The story is definitely interesting. Jefferson was a bundle of contradictions and show more hypocrisies. He said all men are equal and kept slaves. He railed against presidential overreach and then when he became president started a war without congressional approval. The war was carried out horribly. There was an U.S. official actively undermining the war and cutting off funding from the U.S. troops.

Overall, an interesting read, both for the history it is meaning to cover, and for how history was written in the early years after 9/11. show less

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 show more 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." show less

An overlooked period of American history covered in a well written narrative. At times this book is a bit too generous in appraisals of American heroes choosing the most positive myth building versions of events. Excellent writing allows the reader to follow a long, geographically vast story with ease.

So apparently the sole criterion for "war on terror" is "the other guys wear turbans." Well, it's the first new book in print on the Barbary War since approximately 1842, so it has _that_ advantage. And on looking back at it, it's not great, but at least it's there.

As for the war itself? Perfect /jus ad bellum/ -- the Barbary pirates were nasty even by pirate standards, had to be stopped, and declared war on the US rather than the other way around -- and while the /jus in bello/ wasn't the greatest, at least it beat the other guys'.