Chapter 144: Going After the Barbary Pirates!

Chapter 144: Going After the Barbary Pirates!

"North Africa?" Talleyrand seemed surprised that the Prince suddenly brought up the topic, pausing for a moment. "I'm somewhat familiar with the situation there, Your Highness. What would you like to know?"

"Anything you can tell me. The more detailed, the better."

Talleyrand, limping slightly, walked alongside Joseph and began to explain, "North Africa, broadly speaking, is located on the southern coast of the Mediterranean. From west to east, it includes Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Egypt.

"Well, how should I put this? Except for Morocco, the others might not truly be considered nations. Depending on the circumstances, they can shift between being Ottoman provinces and independent states whenever it suits them."

Realizing the Prince wasn't looking for basic geography, Talleyrand quickly shifted to a more political perspective. "Currently, Morocco is under the rule of the Alaouite dynasty. But in recent decades, there have been frequent rebellions, and palace intrigues are intense. Their sultans often don't survive long on the throne. In short, Morocco is very weak now, relying on pirates to raid Mediterranean merchant ships to sustain its finances."

Seeing that the Prince was intrigued, Talleyrand continued, "East of Morocco is Algiers, which was established about two hundred years ago by pirates—or you might call them the Ottoman navy, though there's little difference.

"These pirates took control of the native Berber people in Algiers but faced significant pressure from the Spanish navy. So, they voluntarily became an Ottoman province, seeking support from the Ottomans.

"Afterward, the Ottomans sent an elite Janissary force to the region. Over the next hundred years, the Ottomans lost control of distant Algiers. The Janissaries stationed there became the rulers. Currently, Algiers is governed by a council made up of Janissaries, pirates, and locals, who elect the Governor of Algiers.

"Oh, and their navy—what we consider pirates—holds significant power in Algiers. Many of their governors have been former pirates."

Joseph nodded with a smile, "You're quite thorough. Please continue."

"Certainly, Your Highness. To the east of Algiers is Tunis, a small but very fertile area with abundant resources.

"However, Tunis only ended nearly fifty years of repeated coups two decades ago. The current Pasha there, similar to a governor, is Hammouda Bey.

"Due to previous conflicts, Tunis is no longer as prosperous as it once was. Additionally, since Algiers was involved in Tunis's earlier coups, relations between the two are very strained. Algiers frequently raids Tunisian borders.

"However, our textiles, glassware, and wine are very popular in Tunis. It's our largest market in North Africa.

"Of course, Tunis is also a major base for the Barbary pirates. Our merchant ships are occasionally attacked. The navy has to regularly conduct anti-piracy operations there.

"In fact, we're relatively fortunate. Toulon hosts a powerful fleet, but ships from Denmark, Sardinia, and America are attacked more often. Did you know that the Americans pay over a million livres in tribute to the pirates each year just to avoid being attacked?"

Joseph frowned slightly, "Why do you keep mentioning pirates?"

"Oh, yes, Your Highness," Talleyrand nodded. "The Mediterranean is a haven for the Barbary pirates.

"They were originally part of the Ottoman navy, tasked with attacking Catholic nations' merchant ships. But as the Ottomans weakened, they lost control over their navy, and those sailors turned to piracy. They established bases throughout North Africa and even became governors, as in Algiers.

"The Barbary pirates received formal naval training, making them far more formidable than ordinary pirates. They roam the Mediterranean, attacking any merchant ship unless the ship's nation has paid them tribute. European countries spend considerable sums each year to ransom hostages taken by the pirates.

"The Barbary pirates also raid northern Mediterranean regions in Europe, capturing residents as slaves and selling them in North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, or the Arab world.

"The Spanish navy has spent centuries trying to suppress the Barbary pirates, but since the pirates are entrenched in various North African countries—Tripoli is also one of their bases—it's been impossible to eradicate them."

As Talleyrand repeatedly mentioned the Barbary pirates, Joseph suddenly recalled the famous Barbary Wars that would break out a decade later. The Americans, fed up with being plundered by the Barbary pirates, deployed nearly their entire navy to the Mediterranean to fight the pirates.

However, it wasn't until several decades later, with French assistance, that the Barbary pirates were finally eradicated. During this period, the U.S. spent up to 20% of its national revenue on pirate ransoms!

Joseph's eyes suddenly lit up as he enthusiastically patted Talleyrand on the shoulder. "Thank you for the reminder, Father Talleyrand! I think it's time we decided to eliminate these Mediterranean scourges."

Previously, Joseph had been fixated on the historical route Napoleon took into North Africa, starting with Egypt. However, France currently lacked the strength to control Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire was still powerful enough to reinforce the region—Egypt was still nominally an Ottoman province.

But the Barbary pirates provided Joseph with a new strategy.

France could target the Barbary pirates, attacking their strongholds in North Africa and turning those territories into French possessions.

And eliminating pirates would be a cause that everyone could support, especially the Americans, who would likely lend their full backing. The Spanish would probably also assist.

This way, if the British wanted to interfere, they'd find it hard to justify—after all, who could openly oppose eradicating the Barbary pirates? Additionally, Britain would risk alienating the U.S. and Spain. With the Franco-Russian alliance against the Ottomans, Russia would likely support French actions in the Mediterranean as well.

If Britain insisted on meddling, Joseph might even be able to form an "Anti-British Alliance," which would be a massive win.

Thus, France's North African strategy began to take shape on the small path outside the Petit Trianon.

Talleyrand, however, was puzzled. "Your Highness, the Barbary pirates are a powerful force. It would take a massive amount of resources to eliminate them. Given France's current financial state, I'm not sure it's feasible..."

Joseph smiled and shook his head. "No, Father Talleyrand, this campaign against the pirates will actually be profitable. It won't cost as much as you think."

He stopped walking and looked at Talleyrand. "Perhaps you would be interested in taking on a diplomatic role."

(End of Chapter)

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