American–Algerian War (1785–1795)

The Algerian–American War was a state of conflict which existed between the Regency of Algiers and the United States that lasted from 1785 to 1795. Occurring after the U.S. became independent from the British Empire as a result of the American Revolutionary War, Algiers declared war on the United States after realizing that American merchant shipping was no long under the protection of the Royal Navy.

Barbary pirates operating out of Algiers captured 53 U.S. merchant ships and 1 brig along with 180 American sailors, 83 of whom were subsequently ransomed back by the United States government. Since the Continental Navy had been disbanded in 1783, the U.S. had no navy to protect American shipping, and was forced to sue for peace with Algiers in 1795, agreeing to pay an annual tribute of $21,600. The war led to the United States Congress to pass the Naval Act of 1794, which created the United States Navy.