In The Real History of Pirates season 1 episode 14, entitled Pirates and Empires, we delve into the complex relationship between pirates and the empires they plundered. Throughout history, pirates have been seen as rebels and outlaws, acting outside of the law and disrupting the established order. But in reality, many pirates were able to thrive because of their close ties with powerful empires.
The episode begins by exploring the Golden Age of Piracy, which spanned from the late 17th century to the early 18th century. During this time, many pirates established themselves in the Caribbean, where they preyed upon the valuable trade routes that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas. They were often funded by rival European powers who used them as a means of attacking their enemies and disrupting their trade.
We learn that pirates were able to maintain their power because they established their own political and economic systems, which evolved into what historian Eric Hobsbawm has called "a kind of illegal protectorate”. In essence, pirates were able to control certain territories and establish their own laws and customs, much like any other state. Pirates also had their own economy, which was reliant on the plunder they obtained from their raids.
However, pirates also relied heavily on the empires they plundered. This was especially true in the case of the Atlantic slave trade, which was a major source of income for many pirates. While many pirates were opposed to slavery, they often turned to raiding slave ships in order to obtain valuable goods and sell them on the black market.
In Pirates and Empires, we see how the Spanish and British empires responded to this threat. The Spanish were particularly hard hit, as they saw their colonies in Central and South America come under attack from pirates. The British, on the other hand, were able to use pirates to their advantage, particularly during the wars against the French. The British provided these pirates with letters of marque, which gave them permission to attack French ships and keep the spoils they obtained.
Despite their close ties to the empires, however, pirates were often seen as a threat to their power. In many cases, empires sought to eliminate pirates entirely, seeing them as a destabilizing force in the region. In response, pirates often sought protection from other empires, often switching allegiances multiple times depending on who was able to offer them the best deal.
The episode also explores the role that pirates played in shaping the modern world. They were able to disrupt the established order and, in some cases, challenge the power structures of the empires they plundered. Pirates were often able to challenge slavery and colonialism in ways that were not possible for other individuals. They created their own subculture, complete with its own language, customs, and dress. They also influenced popular culture, inspiring countless books and movies about swashbuckling adventures on the high seas.
Overall, Pirates and Empires provides a fascinating look at how pirates were able to thrive in an age of global empires. It explores the complex relationships between pirates and the empires they plundered, showcasing how both sides were able to use one another for their own ends. The episode highlights the role that pirates played in changing the course of history, and why their legacy continues to captivate people to this day.
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Channel
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First AiredMay 21, 2021
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Runtime28 min
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LanguageEnglish
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