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

terminate the war as soon as it may be done on just and honorable conditions,”
noted Monroe. 157 And as the Americans were confident in the force of their
arms and their growing power, they believed that there would be ample room in
the future for “punishment” should Algiers not respect American terms.
c) Expressive Force: Expressive force implies the use of navies to send a
political message, provide support to unconvincing statements, or act as an
outlet for emotion. 158 In this case, the use of limited force implied, in addition
to the political message intended for Algiers which was apparent, much
bombastic nationalism that was characteristic of the formative years of the
early Republic. 159 After three wars, two of which were fought against greater
powers, the Americans gained more confidence in their system of government
and naval strength to the point that they judged an extensive use of force
against Algiers unnecessary and that a mere show of force was sufficient. 160
Madison’s message to Congress at the termination of that show is an ample
example of the ‘expressive force’ component of gunboat diplomacy:
The high character of the American commander was brilliantly
sustained on the occasion which brought his own ship into close action
with that of his adversary, as was the accustomed gallantry of all the
officers and men actually engaged. Having prepared the way by this
157 WJMPPP, 5:378, To the Peace Commissioners to Algiers, April 10, 1815.
158 Cable, Gunboat Diplomacy, p. 62.
159 Stephen John Hartnett, and Jennifer Rose Mercieca, “‘Has Your Courage Rusted?: National
Security and the Contested Rhetorical Norms of Republicanism in Post-Revolutionary America, 1798–
1801,” Rhetoric & Public Affairs, 9: 1 (2006), pp. 79-112; Engell, “Narrative Irony and National
Character,” p. 19; see also an opinion from that period in Filipo Pananti, Narrative of a Residence in
Algiers; Comprising a Geographical and Historical Account of the Regency; Biographical Sketches of
the Dey and His Ministers; Anecdotes on the late War; Observations on the Relations of the Barbary
States with the Christian Powers; and the Necessity and Importance of their Complete Subjugation
(London: Henry Colburn, 1818), p. 400.
160 LWJM 2:611, to Monroe, July 14, 1815.
379