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 protect American merchant ships from pirates
B.
to make Tripoli sell slaves to the United States
C.
to force Tripoli to pay tribute to the United States
D.
to secure American access to gold in the region

Answer 1

A. to protect American merchant ships from pirates

Jefferson sent the Navy and Marines in the First Barbary War (1801–1805) to stop Barbary pirates from seizing U.S. merchant ships and to resist paying tribute demanded by the North African states.