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Why Did the U.S. Go to War with These Pirates?

It’s been said that history is written by those in power. But what about the outlaws, outcasts and rogues? What if they had their say? Rogue History, a digital series produced by PBS Digital Studios and PBS North Carolina, shakes the dust off the history books to unravel myths, unearth narratives, and discover fresh perspectives.

Why Did the U.S. Go to War with These Pirates?

Behind the Patch Episode 6 | 9m 12s | CC

Did you know that the United States’ first foreign war was with pirates? After the U.S. declared independence, Barbary pirates began capturing Americans in the Mediterranean and holding them for ransom. At one point, Congress agreed to pay them a huge portion of its federal budget. Join us as we uncover the truth behind the pirates that nearly snuffed out the U.S. economy.

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Funding for ROGUE HISTORY is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.