Due to piracy in the Mediterranean, North African states were the target of this early 19th century war.

The North African Muslim states which, at the time, were termed the "Barbary States," were fairly autonomous but under the umbrella of the Ottomans. Pirates attacked U.S. merchant ships in the Mediterranean region, requiring the U.S. government to pay tribute for safe passage. When Tommy J. became president, he refused to pay, as the U.S. now had a capable navy that fought off these pirate ships instead.

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