The European powers, in the years immediately…

The European powers, in the years immediately after the Napoleonic wars, which end in 1815, force an end to piracy and the payment of tribute in the Barbary states.

Deprived of the basis of its economy, Tripoli is unable to pay for basic imports or to service its foreign debt.

When France and Britain pres for payment of debts on behalf of Tripoli's creditors, the Divan authorizes extraordinary taxes to provide the needed revenue.

The imposition of the taxes provokes an outcry in the towns and among the tribes that quickly degenerates into civil war.