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

and relations could only be renewed after the American consul paid in cash for
arrearages. In 1812, following embroils over a shipment from which many of
the stipulated articles were missing, the Dey ordered the American Consul to
leave Algiers and followed it by capture of another ship. The American
interpreted that act as a declaration of war.
The third phase was short-lived but decisive; it reached a culmination
point in 1815-1816. Between 1812 and 1815, relations with Algiers were at a
standstill and the United States government gave priority to the war with Great
Britain. Victorious at the end of the war and commanding a strong navy, the
Americans developed a new approach to ‘tribute’ which evolved from
realpolitics to become a principle in American foreign policy. Towards its
attainment, the Americans embarked on a policy of gunboat diplomacy.
Gunboat diplomacy in itself was not something new in the history of Algiers; it
was even an ingredient of corsairing diplomacy. Treaties were often concluded
while squadrons were at the bay of Algiers exhibiting force. The Dutch
initiated gunboat diplomacy in 1624, the English fostered theirs during the
1650s, and France introduced its own in the 1680s; even Denmark, a lesser
power, was not at rest (1770s); let alone Spain which returned back to the
shores of Algiers threatening after it had disappeared for almost 200 years. By
sending their squadrons to Algiers, the Americans were but assuring continuity
for a centuries-old European practice of squadron naval attacks against Algiers.
Two conclusions that are closely interrelated have emerged from the
study of this third phase in Algiers-United States diplomatic relations: first, the
403