Tripoli: The United States' First War on Terror

by David Smethurst

THE TRUE STORY OF WILLIAM EATON AND THE UNITED STATES’ FIRST ATTEMPT AT REGIME CHANGE

April 27, 1805. The impasse in the four-year war between the Barbary pirate state of Tripoli and the United States is about to be broken. William Eaton has led his ragtag army of Greeks, Arabs, and U.S. Marines across five hundred grueling miles of sun-scorched desert from Alexandria, Egypt, to Tripoli’s heavily defended port fortress of Derna. Outnumbered ten to one, the exhausted, thirsty men carry out Eaton’s daring charge on the pirate fortress–and enter the history books and anthem of the U.S. Marines.

David Smethurst vividly chronicles America’s Barbary War and the pivotal role of William Eaton–firebrand, soldier, and statesman. From the former army captain’s appointment as consul to the Barbary Coast in 1799 to the enemy’s capture of the USS Pennsylvania and her three hundred sailors to Eaton’s valiant attack and its stunning aftermath, Tripoli is a fascinating tale of polished diplomacy, raw heroism, and a man as fearless and independent as the young nation he represented.

Genres: History, American History

308 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tripoli is a fascinating look into at the early 1800's 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 demanded continual "gifts" which escalated in value every 6 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 – the struggles we faced abroad - the courage and determination of the men involved.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This history of the Barbary pirate wars uses few primary sources and is based mostly on secondary sources. The extracts used are poorly documented thus bringing into question their validity. While the work is easy to read, the scholarship is questionable to a history teacher. There is some factual information but this work should not be the sole source of information on these events.

[Clinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some things never change, like the terrorist nature of those who lead the Arab world.