Question

Shortly after becoming president, Thomas Jefferson ordered the U.S. Navy and Marines to attack the North African state of Tripoli. Why did he take this action?
A.
to make Tripoli sell slaves to the United States
B.
to protect American merchant ships from pirates
C.
to secure American access to gold in the region
D.
to force Tripoli to pay tribute to the United States

Answer 1

B. to protect American merchant ships from pirates

Jefferson sent the navy (beginning the First Barbary War) to stop Barbary pirate attacks and the extortionate tribute demands on American shipping off North Africa.