Often-overlooked yet significant and prophetic event in U.S. history; the Barbary War was America's first battle against an Arab despot and President Thomas Jefferson's first major challenge to U.S. foreign policy. As described by A.B.C. Whipple; it is a great yarn as well as first-rate history. The author skillfully combines vivid accounts of derring-do with shrewd appraisals of contemporary politics and diplomacy. Because the Continental Navy had been disbanded; there was an urgent need to develop a new Navy and Marine Corps. Faced with the choice of trading arms for hostages or meeting force with force; Jefferson sent a squadron of warships to the Mediterranean while Congress was in recess; prompting the first major debate on the war-making powers of a U.S. president. The war included a blockade of Tripoli; sustained bombardment by the Navy's new frigates; and finally a ground war fought by a U.S. Army captain; eight Marines; and a rabble of Christians and Arabs sent to free the hostages.Whipple's rousing narrative is filled with fascinating personalities. In addition to Jefferson; there is Commodore Edward Preble; the quarter-deck tyrant who commanded the first naval forces into battle; the bold junior officer Stephen Decatur; the tyrannical bashaw; Yusuf Karamanli; William Eaton; an early-day Lawrence of Arabia; Marine lieutenant Presley O'Bannon; and a host of others.
#3260994 in Books University of Arkansas Press 2002-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .90 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1557285772408 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. History of the 33rd Iowa Regiment 1863-1865By Richard DormanI enjoyed reading this book because my GGGrandfather served through the entire Civil war in this unit. He was badly wounded in the battle of Jenkins Ferry; where the 33rd had heavy losses. The day to day of the soldiers life made me cold; wet and hungary just reading the book through the author's eyes. I was interested also how they felt when they recieved the news of Lincoln's death. Take no prisoners.The book details the different societies that the unit came into contact throughout the South. The joy of the slaves being released.They constantly dream of going back home to Iowa; and finally they are sent home up the Missisippi River on river boats at the end of the war.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I now know what my great; great grandfather went through day to day during ...By Tim BennettThe print was almost to light to read in much of the book. otherwise; I found the book to be very interesting. I now know what my great; great grandfather went through day to day during the war.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. 33D IOWA InfantryBy sueIf you are a genealogist (family or Pro) you will sooner or later come to the War of Rebellion (Civil War. The 33rd were in Alabama; this is a journal with absolutely marvelous descriptions of what the places looked like in his eyes at the time. This book is highly recommended.
