Ottoman Algeria in Western Diplomatic History with ... - Bibliothèque

Throughout the period 1776-1783, and beyond, the Americans had
realized that power rivalry was a hindrance for them and that they had to move
boldly to secure their commercial interests. Insightful and astute politicians and
diplomats, like Franklin, Jefferson, or Adams, would not hesitate to strike at all
chords for attaining their objectives. Petty and friendly with the European
courts at first, they did not hesitate to shift attitude and policy when they could
not obtain what they wanted; disdainful and treacherous with Algiers at first,
they did not also hesitate to knock its door when they were let down by the
Europeans; arrogant and aggressive, they did not either hesitate to turn the
cannons of their infant navy, as soon as they could organize one, against their
former benefactor France (1794-1798), procreator Great Britain (1812-1814);
and of course Algiers, the despised ‘pirate state’ (1815).
In that context of European and American steadfast rivalry, Algiers had
been used not only as a scapegoat of Christendom but it was also played as a
pawn on the chessboard of the great powers. Regardless of its estimated might,
real perhaps during the second and first halves of the 16 th and 17 th centuries
respectively but certainly imaginary for the most part of its history, Algiers was
played off by the Christian powers for their own interests. It happened that
Algiers belonged to a different culture and a different faith; but that could other
than reinforce westerners’ determination for gaining more influence and profits
on Algerian soil. A succinct look into American alliances and treaties of peace
and commerce with European powers is of crucial importance to Algerian-
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