Thomas Jefferson’s decision to send the Navy against the Barbary Pirates was a shift from his usual philosophy because:
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Correct answer: He had previously advocated for a small, defensive navy and reduced spending
Jefferson generally favored limited government and low taxes, but he found that paying tribute to North African states was more expensive and less honorable than military action. The conflict helped establish the U.S. Navy's reputation.
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More Early Republic Foreign Policy questions
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- What was the significance of the Rush-Bagot Agreement (1817)?
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