The Barbary Wars

“In this slim and eminently readable volume, author Frank Lambert makes a case for the Barbary Wars as the first true test of American Independence.” — H-Net Reviews The history of America’s conflict with the piratical states of the Mediterranean runs through the presidencies of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison; the adoption of the Constitution; the Quasi-War with France and the War of 1812; the construction of a full-time professional navy; and, most important, the nation’s haltering s