The Role of Privateers in Independence Movements in the Americas

by Robert Gray Freeland and Thais Solano

  6 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2014

Old U.S. Mint (400 Esplanade)

 

Though the War of 1812 ended with a decisive American victory at the Battle of New Orleans, the U. S. Navy was relatively small during the early nineteenth century. As a result, privateering—the practice of commissioning private ships for use in war—became increasingly common during the war and some veterans continued the practice in Latin America as the Wars for Independence began to spread south.

Join Robert Freeland as he highlights the role of privateers in several independence movements in the Americas. Thais Solano will conclude with how New Orleans-born privateer Renato Beluche went from a cannoneer in the Battle of New Orleans under Andrew Jackson to admiral in the navy of Gran Colombia under Simon Bolivar.

 This event is free and open to the public