Making Land With Pirates

Abstract

Privateer and pirate islands required four basic components to make them successful. First, the islands needed to lack economic potential for the imperial powers. The lack of economic potential led to governmental neglect and freed the islands for marauding control. Second, the islands needed to be adjacent to major shipping lanes. This ensured the marauders access to a steady stream of supplies. Third, these nests required no resistance by native populations. Without a native population to challenge their claims, pirates and privateers easily seized the islands. Finally, they needed a marauding population large enough to sustain a base. These factors determined the longevity and importance of the privateer and pirate base. Comparing these components in conjunction with Jamaica, Tortuga, and the Bahamas against islands under imperial rule demonstrates that only certain islands possessed the essential conditions for privateering and piracy to thrive.