In the early 19th century, the Mediterranean was plagued by piracy, particularly from states along the Barbary Coast in North Africa. The Barbary pirates operated primarily out of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, attacking merchant ships from various nations and demanding tribute for safe passage. After the Revolutionary War, the United States faced increased demands for tribute from these North African states, as it no longer had the protection of the British navy. During this period, the Pasha of Tripoli, Yusuf Karamanli, began to push for higher payments from the United States, threatening war if these demands were not met.

Tensions escalated when the USS Philadelphia was captured by pirates off the coast of Tripoli in 1803, marking a significant loss for the U.S. navy. In response, President Thomas Jefferson, who initially opposed war, shifted his stance, advocating for military engagement to protect American interests and commercial shipping routes. The declaration of war represented a pivotal moment for the United States, as it was the first foreign conflict directly involving the nation after its independence. America's struggle against the Barbary pirates would lead to the establishment of the U.S. Navy's prominence and its role in protecting trade routes, thus shaping naval policy for years to come.

The conflict would eventually escalate into the First Barbary War, showcasing America's willingness to defend its sovereignty and commercial interests, and would significantly influence U.S. foreign policy in the Mediterranean region. Over the course of this war, several naval battles took place, with the United States showcasing its naval capabilities. Jefferson's decision to go to war marked a departure from earlier reliance on diplomacy and tribute payments, setting a precedent for future American military action abroad.