Introduction
The transformation of American politics under the influence of conflicts in the Middle East was significant in terms of the country’s independence. During the Barbary Wars, the former managed to establish their interests in the region while protecting U.S. citizens. Therefore, the consideration of Power, Faith, and Fantasy as the key components might shed the light on the consequences of military operations in these areas.
Power
During this time, the United States government became aware of the key components of successful military operations for using them in the future. Thus, the increasing reliance on “a coalition and diplomatic pressure” proved to be effective when expanding their strategic activity beyond the Western Hemisphere (Lair, 2019). During the Barbary Wars, Americans realized for the first time that for optimal outcomes of these operations, a strict structure within the governmental bodies, involved in the matter, should exist. Hence, the United States’ leaders learned about Power that their interests could be protected only in the case of interventions in other countries’ affairs when the latter neglects previously established agreements.
Faith
In terms of Faith, Americans apparently paid attention to this issue when fighting with the Muslims; however, this theme was not determining in the Barbary Wars. Even though religious differences clearly affected the sentiments of U.S. political leaders towards the region, Adams and Jefferson did not consider it to be the essence of the conflicts (Oren, 2007). These founding fathers were Christians but emphasized the adverse effects of focusing on their faith when, in fact, the war happened in order to “not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (“Galatians 5:1,” n.d.). From this perspective, the role of Faith was limited to this intention, and its impact on military operations was insignificant.
Fantasy
As for Fantasy, Americans’ wrong ideas about their experience in the Barbary Wars were related to the country’s emotional response to their perceived power. The “reinvigorated emotions of national pride and a galvanized sense of identity” contributed to the rise of patriotism, which had not been reported before these events (Oren, 2007, p. 162). These successes led to the formation of specific perceptions, such as the role of the ideals in the government, including liberty and invincibility when fighting for the right cause (Oren, 2007). In this way, this sentiment was laid in the basis of American views on their particular position in the world arena.
American Principles
In the aftermath of the Barbary Wars, Americans did not compromise their core principles, whereas in the future, such occasions are possible if the outcomes of similar interventions of military nature are not satisfactory. For example, in the past, the main conflicts and, consequently, the reasons for increasing the activity in the Middle East were connected to the latter’s neglect of agreements and the threat of terrorism (Oren, 2007; Lair, 2019). However, all actions were accompanied by diplomatic solutions, and if they are not taken into account, American principles might be compromised (Oren, 2007). Meanwhile, a contemporary version of US tribute can be promoting economic development of their allies in the target region.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Barbary Wars, when described with regard to Power, Faith, and Fantasy, led to the formation of American political identity. During this period, the U.S. government learned about the conditions, required for successful military operations, clarified its focus in terms of protected interests, and developed the idea of American pride and invincibility. This experience showed that core principles might be compromised only if diplomatic procedures are neglected, whereas contemporary U.S. tribute would be more of economic nature.
References
Galatians 5:1. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Web.
Lair, S. T. (2019). Assessing the Jefferson administration’s actions during the first barbary wars and their impact on U. S. small war policy. Small Wars Journal. Web.
Oren, M. B. (2007). Power, faith, and fantasy: America in the Middle East: 1776 to the present. W. W. Norton & Company.