Exploring the Early Americas

The Jay I. Kislak Collection

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British Attempt to Suppress Pirates

British Attempt to Suppress Pirates (123.00.00)

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Attacks by pirates and privateers were a major problem in the Americas between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.  Privateers were licensed by a government to raid the ships of declared enemies and shared their gains with the licensor.  Pirates were not loyal to any country and attacked indiscriminately for their own gain.  Governments with American colonies attempted to suppress privateering and piracy, as in this broadside issued by King James II (reigned 1685–1688).
Attacks by pirates and privateers were a major problem in the Americas between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.  Privateers were licensed by a government to raid the ships of declared enemies and shared their gains with the licensor.  Pirates were not loyal to any country and attacked indiscriminately for their own gain.  Governments with American colonies attempted to suppress privateering and piracy, as in this broadside issued by King James II (reigned 1685–1688).