March 10, 2020
The United States, barely three decades old, faced a crisis that tested its identity and resolve. After fighting a revolution to escape paying tribute to a distant empire, Americans found themselves doing the same—but this time to Barbary pirates. Captain William Bainbridge's humiliating ordeal in Algiers exposed the weakness of U.S. foreign policy, forcing a national reckoning. With Thomas Jefferson in office, America would no longer tolerate extortion. A new era had begun—one that would shape the nation's military and diplomatic future.
Explore the battles from this episode
Find every engagement on the Bloodline interactive battle map.
Get updates on new episodes and Marine Corps history delivered to your inbox.
You're in. Welcome to the archive.