Jefferson's War: America's First War on Terror 1801-1805

There is a lot of good information in this book, not just a fairly detailed account of the Tripolitan War, but soft cinematic character studies of the major characters (Eaton, Decatur, Jefferson, the Bey), impressive "camoes" by the likes of Lord Nelson, and a nice ethnography of the Northern African character following the Spanish reconqest of Iberia. It is an enjoyable read as well, and quite possibly a page turner to him who knows little about the era and is not quite sure how the "story" ends. A more enjoyable read than most fiction, and educational. What more can you ask?


Eye-opening account of a forgotten conflict   January 12, 2005
mike esposito (Roselle, IL United States)
8 out of 11 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed reading this book. As a break from the Aubrey/Maturin novels, it was nice to read a fast paced, straight forward non-fiction account.

Wheelan gives a fine researched account of the Barbary Wars from a Military, economic and Political point of view. However, this book reads like a novel and is very fast paced. Although my primary interest is military history, I was more intruiged with the economic and political aspects of the conflict as seen from a 200 year old perspective.

The cast of characters is very interesting(with a list in the intro)as Wheelan goes into some depth to give background information on all the major players in this war. I think the book really shines and it shows in many examples how politics can otherwise ruin the best laid military plans especially with the overland expedition to Tripoli.

As for the parallel with today's conflicts, I feel they are very evident. Wheelan hits on the psycology of the Muslim mind very well, and if one looks at today's breed of terrorist, there are many similarities-unfortunately today, they are much more vicious.

The only thing I would have wished is that he could have included more illustrations. Definaltely a must read for all naval history buffs and those who love naval fiction as well.


Good book, worth reading   May 9, 2005
Jonathan A. Titus (Western USA)
8 out of 11 found this review helpful

No long-winded review, just praise for a book I enjoyed. The author illuminated a part of American history I knew little about and I'm pleased I read the book and learned from it. I recommend it.


A Fresh New Look   April 12, 2004
Seth J. Frantzman (Jerusalem, Israel)
7 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful fresh new look. In 1801 Jefferson dispatched the newly created U.S Navy to deal with the state-sponsored piracy of the Barbary states, Tunis, Algiers and Morocco. This book paints Jefferson as a President willing to extent American values and principles overseas by fighting America's `first war on terror'. Although this language is slightly cliched and not entirely accurate in the 19th century sense, nevertheless the book gives a resounding argument behind why terror and unlawfulness must be punished and that appeasement never works in the face of unfettered aggression.

Probably the most interesting aspect of this war was that the fledgling America was willing to go all the way across an ocean under the vary eyes of the Europeans America had rebelled against, to fight a nameless enemy only to protect American merchant interests. In many ways this was a forward thinking war. Smacking of Palmerstons later `gunboat diplomacy' this war against the Tripoli showed how a newly formed idealistic republic was willing to go around the globe to protect is citizens from barbarism. A wonderful read, the authors style is quick and witty, and the writing is lucid and action packed. Any student of American history will enjoy this new take on Jefferson and the young American navy just as anyone interested in today's war on terror will enjoy its 19th century antecedents.

Seth J. Frantzman


A Tour de Force!!!!   March 13, 2005
Terry Tucker (Richland, TX)
6 out of 15 found this review helpful

This is an excellent and enlightening work!
For those seeking to understand the bigger picture of America post 911 and Operation Iraqi Freedom, this is a must have, and more importantly, must read book!!!
While reading this book it is easy to place your self in the position of Jefferson and some of the key players in this historical account and understand the crucial elements of there decision making; yet simultaneously understand what the Bush Administration may have been debating while it made its Political-Military decisions over the last couple of years.
For those that are Political Science or Military History majors, this book, despite your orientation pro or con, is a key substantiating element of the "American Way" of War.
The book is well written and will keep you interested. I highly recommend this book for everyone, but it will be especially valuable to the military history buff, soldier, sailor or marine.