Golden Age of Piracy: The Golden Age of Piracy was a time when pirates ruled the seas. It happened from the 1650s to the 1730s and played an important role in the North Atlantic and Indian Oceans. During this period pirates were known for their daring attacks on ships and coastal towns and they became legendary figures in history.
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Golden Age of Piracy History
The Golden Age of Piracy spanning from the 1650s to the 1730s marked a significant era when piracy played a major role in the North Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
During this period historians divided the Golden Age of Piracy into three distinct periods:
|
Period |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Buccaneer Period (1650-1680) |
Characterized by Anglo-French seamen based in Jamaica and Tortuga attacking Spanish colonies and shipping. |
|
Pirate Round (1690s) |
Associated with long-distance voyages from the Americas to rob Muslim and East India Company targets. |
|
Post-Spanish Succession Period (1715-1726) |
Anglo-American sailors and privateers turned to piracy en masse after the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, operating in various regions. |
Golden Age of Piracy Origin
The earliest mention of a “Golden Age” of piracy dates back to 1894 when the English journalist George Powell talked about a period that seemed like the best time for piracy until the late 1600s. Powell mentioned this in a review of Charles Leslie’s A New and Exact History of Jamaica which was written over 150 years earlier.
Another historian John Fiske expanded on this idea in 1897 saying that piracy was most successful between 1650 and 1720. Fiske included various pirate activities from different parts of the world in this “Golden Age.” Other historians later used Fiske’s term “Golden Age,” although they didn’t always agree on the exact time period. Patrick Pringle for example believed the best time for piracy was from Queen Elizabeth I’s reign until the early 1700s, which was a broader view than Fiske’s.
Golden Age of Piracy History
Piracy during the Golden Age was closely linked to trade and colonization rivalries among European powers like Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and France. Many pirates were Welsh, English, Dutch, Irish, or French, often coming from poor urban areas seeking money and freedom from hardships like unemployment and poverty. London, for instance had high unemployment and crowded conditions pushing some to piracy for wealth and power.
Buccaneering period (c. 1650–1680)
The Golden Age of Piracy began around 1650 when the Wars of Religion ended, allowing European countries to expand their colonial empires again. This led to increased maritime trade and economic growth, attracting pirates looking for opportunities to steal valuable cargo. French buccaneers initially settled on Hispaniola, hunting animals, but later turned to piracy due to Spanish crackdowns. The English capture of Jamaica in 1655 further fueled piracy, with governors granting licenses to pirates to attack Spanish ships and ports.
Pirate Round (c. 1693–1700)
In the late 1600s, Anglo-American pirates began looking beyond the Caribbean for treasure due to changes in European politics and the decline of Caribbean markets after the Port Royal earthquake in 1692. The Glorious Revolution renewed hostilities between Britain and France, ending their collaboration in the Caribbean. At the same time, England’s less-favored colonies, desperate for money due to trade restrictions, turned a blind eye to pirate activities. Pirates like Henry Every targeted the Indian Ocean, where valuable goods and weak navies made rich pickings.
Post–Spanish Succession period (c. 1715–1726)
After peace treaties ended the War of the Spanish Succession in 1713-1714, thousands of seamen, including former privateers, were left unemployed. They turned to piracy as cross-Atlantic colonial trade boomed. Pirates, such as Henry Jennings and Blackbeard raided Spanish treasure fleets and established bases in places like Nassau, Bahamas. The pirate republic flourished until Governor Woodes Rogers arrived in 1718, signaling its end. Transatlantic trade routes, like the triangular trade between Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe, became prime targets for pirates, further fueling piracy in the region.
During the years 1719 to 1721, pirates like Edward England, John Taylor, Olivier Levasseur, and Christopher Condent were active in Madagascar. Taylor and Levasseur pulled off one of the biggest heists in Golden Age of Piracy history by plundering the Portuguese ship Nossa Senhora Do Cabo at Réunion in 1721. They stole diamonds and other treasures valued at a whopping £800,000.
Return of the Pirate Round
While Condent found success as a pirate, Edward England didn’t fare as well. He was stranded on Comoros by Taylor and Levasseur in 1721 and met his demise shortly after. Despite Taylor and Levasseur’s triumphs, the Pirate Round soon saw a decline. The infamous Blackbeard, Edward Teach, met his end in a battle with Lieutenant Robert Maynard’s navy ship. Legend has it that Blackbeard was stabbed twenty times and shot five times before his demise.
Pirates of the era
Some of the most well-known pirates from this period include:
“Black Sam” Bellamy, hailed as the “Robin Hood of pirates,” who justified piracy ideologically and perished in a storm off Cape Cod in 1717.
Stede Bonnet, a wealthy Barbadian landowner who turned pirate for the thrill of adventure and was eventually caught and hanged in 1718.
Henry Every, famous for capturing the incredibly wealthy Mogul ship Ganj-i-Sawai in 1695 and retiring with his loot.
Olivier Levasseur, also known as La Buse, the only prominent French pirate in Nassau.
William Fly, whose execution in 1726 marked the symbolic end of the Golden Age of Pirates.
“Captain” Kidd, notorious for his supposed buried treasure and executed for piracy in London in 1701.
Edward Low, a brutal pirate known for torturing his victims before killing them, active from 1721 to 1724.
Henry Morgan, a buccaneer who raided Spanish territories and eventually became governor of Jamaica.
John “Calico Jack” Rackham, famous for his partnership with female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read, before being captured and hanged in 1720.
Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts, considered one of the most successful Western pirates, with over 400 ship captures.
Edward “Blackbeard” Teach (Thatch), perhaps the most notorious pirate among English-speaking nations, active from 1716 to 1718, until his death in battle with Lieutenant Robert Maynard’s crew.
Notable female pirates like Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Rachel Wall made their mark during this era, challenging traditional gender roles on the high seas.
Decline of that era
The decline of piracy in the early 18th century marked the end of the Golden Age of Piracy. After the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht nations grew less tolerant of privateers leading to increased pressure on pirates. The surplus of trained sailors without jobs initially fueled piracy causing a rise in attacks on ships and straining trade for European nations. In response, nations bolstered their navies to protect merchants and combat piracy. By 1720 piracy was in sharp decline.
The turning point came in 1718 with the arrival of Governor Woodes Rogers in Nassau, a major pirate stronghold. With mounting pressure from naval forces and dwindling safe havens, pirates lost momentum. The allure of Spanish treasures waned, and pirates found themselves hunted rather than hunters. By early 1719 most pirates were on the run fleeing to West Africa and targeting poorly defended slavers as they tried to evade capture.
Conclusion
The Golden Age of Piracy was a time when many pirates roamed the seas causing trouble for ships and traders. It lasted from the late 1600s to the early 1700s. But as nations strengthened their navies and made treaties to stop piracy, the era came to an end. Pirates faced more challenges and fewer opportunities, leading many to be captured or go into hiding. So the age of pirates eventually faded away leaving behind stories of adventure and daring deeds on the ocean.
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FAQs on Golden Age of Piracy
What was the Golden Age of Piracy?
The Golden Age of Piracy is a period in history from the late 17th century to the early 18th century when piracy flourished in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
What led to the rise of piracy during this time?
Several factors contributed to the rise of piracy including the end of wars between European powers, the growth of maritime trade, the availability of skilled sailors, and weak enforcement of laws at sea.
Who were some famous pirates of the Golden Age?
Some famous pirates of this era include Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Calico Jack, and Bartholomew Roberts.
How did the Golden Age of Piracy come to an end?
The decline of piracy was brought about by increased naval patrols, crackdowns by colonial powers, and changes in international relations that reduced opportunities for piracy. Piracy became less profitable and more dangerous, leading many pirates to abandon their trade.
When did the Golden Age of Piracy occur?
The Golden Age of Piracy occurred roughly between the 1650s and the 1730s.