Which group was known for attacking American ships and demanding ransoms for sailors?

The Barbary Pirates, operating primarily from the North African coast, were notorious for their attacks on American and European shipping vessels during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Their actions typically involved seizing ships and holding sailors hostage, demanding ransoms for their release. This practice was part of a broader system of piracy and extortion that had significant implications for international trade and relations at the time.

The Barbary States, particularly Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, engaged in this piracy as a means to finance their governments and assert power in the Mediterranean Sea. The United States, during its early years, faced challenges from these pirates, leading to conflicts such as the First and Second Barbary Wars. These wars highlighted the difficulties the young nation faced in establishing itself on the global stage and defending its commercial interests.

In contrast, while the British Navy and Spanish Armada had their roles in naval warfare and protecting shipping routes, their actions were not primarily focused on ransom-seeking piracy like that of the Barbary Pirates. French Privateers operated under the French government but were typically engaged in conflicts with other nations rather than systematically targeting American ships for ransom. Therefore, the Barbary Pirates are recognized specifically for their ransom demands and aggressive maritime