Dutch–Barbary war
Action between Dutch ships and Barbary pirates
Date 1618–1622 Location Mediterranean Sea Result Algerian victory
Belligerents
Dutch Republic	Regency of Algiers Eyalet of Tunis
Commanders and leaders
Mooy Lambert Hillebrand Quast Willem de Zoete	Kader Pasha Kassan Kaid Kussa Mustapha IV Pasha Hasan IV Kussa Mustapha Murad I Bey
Strength
Lambert's 2nd–3rd fleet: (1618–1620) 13 warships De Zoete's fleet: (1620–1621)[a] 17 warships[1]	Began as 60 ships in 1613, then grew to 80–90 in 1620[2]
Casualties and losses
88 merchant ships seized and at least 300 enslaved[3][b]	16–20 ships captured, or destroyed[3]

TheDutch–Barbary war, also referred to as theDutch–Algerian war (1618–1622), was a conflict that originated from the activities ofBarbary pirates targeting Dutch vessels. In response to these attacks, the Dutch launched severalexpeditions aimed at putting an end to the attacks on Dutch vessels and safeguarding their ships. Ultimately, these efforts proved successful as both nations recognized the significance of peace in maintaining a prosperous economy.

Barbary pirates were pirates who began their operations in the early17th century in theMediterranean Sea. Subsequently, they experienced substantial growth in their activities, leading to an increase in their popularity.^[4]

During the early17th century, theDutch Republic embarked on anextensive territorial expansion, solidifying its dominant position as a major maritime power. Concurrently, it established a vast presence in international trade, making significant inroads in global commerce. The Dutch strategically established colonies and trading posts across various continents, includingAsia,Africa, and theAmericas, facilitating the flourishing exchange of valuable commodities, ranging from spices and textiles to precious metals. As a result of these endeavors, theDutch Republic emerged as one of the foremost trading nations of that era, commanding a pervasive influence across the seas.^[5]

TheDutch Republic displayed robust activity in theMediterranean Sea engaging in frequent trade within the region. They established significant trade ties with countries situated along the Mediterranean coast, forging commercial relationships that were characterized by regular exchanges of goods and commodities. The Dutch's active presence in the Mediterranean facilitated the flow of various valuable products, further contributing to their status as a major trading nation during this period.^[6] The Dutch, who were known for their economic prosperity and active engagement in trade, found itself as a target ofBarbary pirates in theMediterranean Sea. These pirates, seeking to plunder the wealth carried by Dutch ships, engaged in acts of harassment and attacks. Consequently, in 1618, the Dutch authorities responded by declaring war on bothTunisia andAlgiers.^[7]

Immediately,Mooy Lambert and Hillebrand Quast were designated for action. Quast, in particular, proved successful in capturing a considerable number of North African ships. However, during his return journey, he once again confronted North African ships, disposing of each pirate mercilessly by throwing them overboard, and calling itfootwashing. Meanwhile, Mooy Lambert was tasked with patrolling the Mediterranean and combating Algerian pirates, a mission that proved highly effective. While sailing through theStrait of Gibraltar,Lambert encountered a formidable Algerian fleet of 20–30 ships. A fierce battle ensued for two days, with Lambert emerging victorious and capturing 12–20 of the enemy's vessels. The remaining ships fled and, just like Captain Quast, Lambert disposed of their crew members by throwing them overboard.

Continuing their efforts against Algiers, the Algerians responded by imprisoning the Dutchambassador, further escalating tensions. The Dutch, incensed by this action, intensified their war against Algiers and reinforced Lambert's fleet to secure the ambassador's release. The Algerians complied with the Dutch demands and freed theAmbassador. However, reluctant to engage in an all-out war with theDutch Republic, Algiers proposed peace to theDutch Republic in 1619. Despite thePrince of Orange's desire to continue the war and dismantle Algiers, theStates General believed it wiser to pursue peace and accepted the truce. The truce was short-lived, as Algiers became the first to break it by attacking another ship, leading to further hostilities. Between 1619 and 1620, the Dutch captured two Algerian ships, while the Algerians captured a total of 82 Dutch vessels. Around 300 Dutch were enslaved in Algiers.^[8]

In response, the Dutch dispatched another fleet underWillem de Zoete, and advised all traders to sail under the protection of theDutch Navy. A period of relative quiet followed, as both the Dutch and North Africans sought peace.^[3]

Despite thePrince of Orange's inclination to prolong the war, theStates General of the Dutch Republic took a different approach, deeming it more prudent to seek peace with Algiers. The reason behind this decision stemmed from the upcoming expiration of theTwelve Years' Truce withSpain, which necessitated preserving every available ship for potential conflicts. Moreover,England had recently initiated anexpedition against Algiers, prompting Algiers to seek reconciliation with the Dutch as well. In pursuit of peaceful resolution, theDutch Republic dispatched a representative to negotiate with Algiers,^[9] leading to the successful conclusion of a treaty that favored the Dutch interests.^[10] In the same year they also did it with Tunis.^[11]

• Bender, James (2014).Dutch Warships in the Age of Sail, 1600–1714 Design, Construction, Careers and Fates (E-book ed.). Pen & Sword Books.ISBN 9781473852877.
• Bulut, Mehmet (2001).Ottoman-Dutch Economic Relations in the Early Modern Period 1571-1699 (Paperback ed.). M. Bulut. p. 102.ISBN 9065506551.
• Heinsen-Roach, Erica (2019).Consuls and Captives Dutch-North African Diplomacy in the Early Modern Mediterranean (Hardcover ed.). University of Rochester Press.ISBN 9781580469746.
• Lunsford, V (2005).Piracy and Privateering in the Golden Age Netherlands (E-book ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.ISBN 9781403979384.

• 17th century in the Regency of Algiers
• Janissaries
• Wars involving the Regency of Algiers
• Conflicts in 1618
• Conflicts in 1619
• Conflicts in 1620
• Conflicts in 1621
• Conflicts in 1622
• Anti-slavery military operations
• Ottoman Tunisia
• Wars involving Tunisia
• Wars involving the Dutch Republic
• 1610s in the Dutch Empire
• 1620s in the Dutch Empire
• Algeria–Netherlands relations
• Algeria–Tunisia military relations
• Netherlands–Tunisia relations
• 17th century in Tunisia
• Military history of the Mediterranean

• Articles with short description
• Short description matches Wikidata