Problem: Respond to the below, give input, critiques and add to the topic. Jefferson's strategy for liberty was based on a belief that American independence required republican principles and the power to defend them. He thought the U.S. could encourage liberty through commerce and its political example. Yet, those goals meant very little when foreign leaders could seize American ships or demand tribute/payments without consequences. Sovereign independence required the ability to choose a national course without being controlled by stronger powers (Spalding, 2010). The fight against the Barbary pirates protected trade and challenged a system that forced weaker nations to purchase temporary access to international waters. Jefferson's response also challenges the common view that he relied on diplomacy and economic pressure. He supported naval action against the Barbary states before becoming president and he believed it would be easier to fund ships rather than to continue bribing rulers who could just demand more money later (Nau, 2013). The conflict followed years of failed agreements and growing tribute costs. The continued payment offered no lasting protection because the Barbary states could raise their demands whenever American commerce became more valuable (Kitzen, 1996). Once Tripoli increased its demands, Jefferson sent a naval squadron that represented about half of the young American Navy (Nau, 2013). This was a major commitment for a weak republic with very limited military. Need Assignment Help?