The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 145

Chapter 145: We'll Eat You, Barbary Pirates!

"North Africa?" Talleyrand seemed caught off guard by the sudden mention of it, pausing for a moment. "Well, I suppose I know a bit about the situation. Your Highness, what would you like to know?"

"Anything, the more detailed, the better."

Talleyrand, limping slightly, walked beside Joseph as he pondered, "North Africa is generally located on the southern shore of the Mediterranean. From west to east, you have Morocco, Algiers, Tunisia, Tripoli, Egypt, and several other countries."

"Ah, how should I put it? Apart from Morocco, the others may not truly be considered nations. Depending on the circumstances, they could easily shift between being Ottoman provinces or independent states..."

He suddenly realized that Joseph likely wasn't asking for basic geographic knowledge, so he quickly adjusted his explanation, focusing instead on the political structures. "At the moment, Morocco is under the rule of the Alaouite dynasty. However, over the past few decades, there have been frequent uprisings, and the court politics have been extremely chaotic. The sultans often die within a few years of taking the throne. In short, Morocco is quite weak now and relies on sending out pirates to raid Mediterranean merchant ships to sustain its finances..."

Talleyrand glanced quickly at Joseph, noticing his interest, and continued, "To the east of Morocco lies Algiers — a city established two hundred years ago by pirates, or perhaps we should call them the Ottoman navy, as they're essentially the same. These pirates conquered the Berber people who originally lived in Algiers, but then they faced immense pressure from the Spanish navy. They chose to become an Ottoman province in exchange for Ottoman support."

"Subsequently, the Ottomans sent an elite imperial guard to the region. After a century, however, the Ottomans lost control of distant Algiers. The imperial guard stationed there became the ruling power. Now, Algiers is governed by a parliament made up of the imperial guard, pirates, and local people, who elect the Governor of Algiers."

"Oh, and by the way, the navy, which we think of as pirates, holds a great deal of power in Algiers. Several past governors were former pirates."

Joseph nodded with a smile, "You’re being very thorough, please continue."

"Certainly, Your Highness. To the east of Algiers lies Tunisia, a relatively small but very rich region, with fertile land and abundant resources."

"However, Tunisia only emerged from nearly half a century of repeated coups twenty years ago. The current Pasha, a position similar to a governor, is Hammouda Bey."

"Due to the previous wars, Tunisia is no longer as prosperous as it once was, and relations with Algiers are poor, partly because Algiers participated in the coups there. Algiers frequently raids Tunisia's borders."

"Still, our products, such as textiles, glass, and wine, are quite popular in Tunisia. It's our largest market in North Africa."

"Of course, Tunisia is also one of the strongholds of the Barbary pirates. Our merchant ships are frequently looted there. The navy often needs to conduct clean-up operations."

"Actually, we are somewhat fortunate, considering Toulon is home to a powerful fleet. Danish, Sardinian, and even American merchant ships are raided more often. Did you know, the Americans actually pay millions of livres in tribute each year to avoid pirate attacks?"

Joseph frowned slightly, "I notice you keep mentioning pirates."

"Ah, yes, Your Highness." Talleyrand nodded. "The Mediterranean has long been the haven of the Barbary pirates."

"They were originally part of the Ottoman navy, tasked with attacking merchant ships of Catholic nations. But as the Ottomans grew weaker, they lost control over their navy. Those former sailors then became pirates. They established strongholds across North Africa, and some even became governors, much like in Algiers."

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

"Also, the Barbary pirates sometimes raid the northern Mediterranean, capturing Europeans to sell as slaves in North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, or the Arab world."

"The Spanish navy has been battling the Barbary pirates for centuries, but as the pirates are deeply embedded in various North African nations — Tripoli being one of their bases — it has been impossible to eliminate them."

As Talleyrand repeatedly mentioned the "Barbary pirates," Joseph suddenly recalled that the famous Barbary Wars would break out in a little over a decade. The Americans, having suffered too much from the pirates' raids, would eventually send almost their entire navy to fight the pirates in the Mediterranean.

However, it wouldn't be until several decades later, with France's assistance, that the Barbary pirates would be finally eradicated. During this period, the United States would spend 20% of its national budget paying ransoms to the pirates!

Joseph's eyes suddenly lit up, and he excitedly patted Talleyrand on the shoulder, "Thank you for the reminder, Chancellor Talleyrand! I think we should make up our minds to eliminate these pests of the Mediterranean."

Until now, he had always focused on the historical route of sending the royal army into North Africa, beginning with Egypt. However, France's strength wasn't yet sufficient to engage Egypt, and with the Ottomans still strong, they would certainly send reinforcements to Egypt — which, in name at least, remained an Ottoman province.

But the Barbary pirates provided Joseph with a new idea.

They could start with the Barbary pirates, strike at their strongholds in North Africa, and turn their territories into spoils of war.

And eliminating the pirates was something universally supported, especially by the Americans who had suffered greatly. They would surely offer strong support. The Spanish were likely to help as well.

In this case, if the British wished to interfere, first, they wouldn't have a valid excuse. They couldn't very well say, "I oppose the eradication of the Barbary pirates," could they? Secondly, they would alienate both the Americans and the Spanish. With the combined French-Russian efforts against the Ottomans, Russia would also likely support France's actions in the Mediterranean.

If the British insisted on opposing it, perhaps Joseph could even form an "anti-British alliance" or something similar, and that would be a huge win.

Thus, France's strategy for North Africa began to take shape in the fields outside the Petit Trianon.

Talleyrand, however, appeared concerned. "Your Highness, the Barbary pirates are a formidable force. To eliminate them would require a large investment, and considering France's current financial situation, I fear..."

Joseph smiled and shook his head. "No, Chancellor Talleyrand, this operation to eliminate the pirates will actually be profitable, and it won’t require much expenditure."

He paused, looking at Talleyrand. "Perhaps you're willing to take on a diplomatic position?"

Table of content - Next Chapter >>>