Piracy in the Caribbean

Piracy in the Caribbean refers to maritime crimes where individuals, known as pirates, attack ships for theft or ransom, primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. These pirates targeted merchant vessels transporting valuable goods, disrupting trade routes. The Caribbean's strategic location and numerous islands provided hiding spots and safe harbors. Colonial powers eventually intensified naval patrols and legal measures to combat piracy, leading to its decline by the 19th century. Today, the term is often used metaphorically or in popular culture, but historically, Caribbean piracy significantly impacted commerce and colonial governments during its peak period.