The United States Congress: Faces Difficulties With Algiers: 1794 (from Official Records Of The Congress)

Abstract

This study investigates official discussions of members of the American congress in January1794; various problems were facing the new republic in the American continent among them, the prohibition of the American commerce from reaching over the Mediterranean sea because of the Algerian navy. The Algerian non-recognition of the independence of the United States and its separation from Great Britain was due to Special relations between Algeria and Britain in that period. Therefore, members of the congress discussed the matter of the protection of American commerce in high seas. Besides, They have studied the establishment of US fleet to face the Algerian navy. At the end, though the deficiency in the required money, they agreed to construct canons and six ships of different size to hinder the Algerian ones. Some people even requested buying peace from Algeria, where as others refused because they claimed the Portugal support, its ports and ships to be against the Algerian fleet through the Strait of Gibraltar which was considered a vital transit to the Algerian fleet towards the Atlantic Ocean; and chasing the American merchant vessels. This has effectively led to taking down 11 ships in one month, in October 1793. Consequently, Britain has commanded Portugal to sign a truce with Algeria in 1793. This has enabled her to overpass the strait to the Atlantic. The result was the capture of 11 ships with their crew that contained 105 US sailor and 21 captives in July 1785.