Dawn Like Thunder: The Barbary Wars and the Birth of the U.S. Navy

by Glenn Tucker

Dawn like Thunder: The Barbary Wars and the Birth of the U.S. Navy, first published in 1963, is the definitive account of the fledgling Navy and Marine Corps of the United States in the early 1800s. The book details the struggle of American ships such as the USS Constitution and Constellation against the pirates and Muslim warlords of the Mediterranean and North Africa in what would become known as the Barbary Wars. Also covered are the key players of the time, from presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, to talented naval officers such as Edward Preble and Stephen Decatur. In addition, the ongoing political battles to obtain funding for the Navy and the construction of needed ships are described. Author Glenn Tucker (1892-1976) conducted extensive research in the preparation of Dawn like Thunder, including research at the archives in Tripoli; he was the author of more than a dozen books on American history.

Genres: History, Military Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Steven Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a history of the US Navy’s clash with the Barbary pirates”, a loosely associated group of half organized countries in North Africa. The rulers of these countries were willing to tolerate pirates operating from their harbors. In fact they were also willing to take bribes to spare certain nationalities from said pirates.
That set up the American merchant marine for a target after independence — before that, the British navy protected American ships. The US had liquidated its Navy within a year of independence and this book explains how the Barbary pirates showed the newly elected government what a mistake their predecessors had made!
In the 1790’s the government paid bribes to various beys and Deys— this book will teach you the difference. But since the pirates operated under many flags, this was getting expensive and eventually several officials decided it was better to have a Navy.
This book shows in fine detail how that was accomplished, largely through the political infighting of people involved. Most of the names will be familiar to readers but others will be unknown. The author does us a service by unearthing some of these forgotten people.
However, he shows noticeable bias in the sense he knows what the outcome will be and praises those trying to bring that about. This wouldn’t be obvious at the time but Most readers will agree so maybe it’s all right except for professional historians.
Most history books don’t give us the behind the scenes maneuvering that surrounds the Barbary pirates episode; read this book and you’ll learn about it. The author is a good storyteller although you shouldn’t expect a Churchill, and sometimes I got a little lost in the details, but I recommend this book to those interested in American or naval history.

[Bryan Mcquirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will give this book 3.5 stars. This is a great book about the war between the United States and the Barbary pirates/rulers. Tucker presents a lively and interesting recollection of the events, both military and political that tool place.
The only issue I have with this book is Tucker's use of too much information. This book should realistically be about 75-100 pages shorter. He fills these pages with needless background facts about childhoods and parentage of many of the characters in the book. Maybe some people love this type of minutiae, but I found it irksome and pointless, and it added little to overarching historical story of this war.

[Donald M. Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbary Wars

Dawn Like Thunder .. Other then the term being used once in the book is a title that means nothing
There is so much political detail the birth of the U.S. Navy is almost lost behind the lines
The birth of the navy is what drew me to the book .. What I really got from the book was more the birth of the U.S. government, they just happened to need a Navy.
Overall, the book is interesting, a little drawn out in places, but a good read.

[shari lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The extremely well documented Barbary war and creation of the U.S. Navy

This well documented part of American history left nothing out including the good the bad and the ugly. For those that want unadulterated history this should read

[Mark Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little known from my high school history

Well written, thought provoking and highly patriotic, 6 star read.. Enjoyed Eatons Lawrence of Arabia like trek across North Africa. What a dazzeling feat joined by the flashing swords of 3000 dualing mounted arab fighters at Derba..

[Robert Lewter · Rating 4 out of 5]

History and heroes on the sea and the shores of Tripoli. A very interesting and educational read.

[Ellen McNerney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed and informative. Great insight to the workings of a fledgling country and it's growing pains. Wasn't aware of the fact that the U.S. was willing to pay tribute for such a long time.

[Randy Mosele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great history of a forgotten part of our military history.