The First Barbary War (1801–1805), also known as the Tripolitan War and the Barbary Coast War, was a conflict during the Barbary Wars, in which the United States and Sweden fought against Tripolitania. Tripolitania had declared war against Sweden and the United States over disputes regarding tributary payments made by both states in exchange for a cessation of Tripolitanian commerce raiding at sea. United States President Thomas Jefferson refused to pay this tribute. Sweden had been at war with the Tripolitans since 1800. The First Barbary War was the first major American war fought outside the New World, and in the Arab world.
USS Enterprise fighting the Tripolitan polacca Tripoli by William Bainbridge Hoff, 1878
Captain William Bainbridge paying tribute to the Dey of Algiers, 1800
An artist's depiction of the Philadelphia aground off Tripoli, in October 1803
An 1897 painting of the burning of the USS Philadelphia
The Barbary Wars were a series of two wars fought by the United States, Sweden, and the Kingdom of Sicily against the Barbary states and Morocco of North Africa in the early 19th century. Sweden had been at war with the Tripolitans since 1800 and was joined by the newly independent US. The First Barbary War extended from 10 May 1801 to 10 June 1805, with the Second Barbary War lasting only three days, ending on 19 June 1815. The Barbary Wars were the first major American war fought entirely outside the New World, and in the Arab World.
USS Philadelphia burning at the Battle of Tripoli Harbor during the First Barbary War in 1804
Brigantine Polly of Newburyport Captured by Algerine Pirates, 1793
Painting depicting the bombardment of Tripoli on 3 August 1804
Commodore Decatur and the dey of Algiers Haji Ali Pasha