195. Blackbeard & the Pirates of the Caribbean

This episode explores the history of piracy, focusing on the real-life figure of Blackbeard (Edward Thatch). The discussion begins with a broad overview of piracy's evolution from ancient times to the early modern period, highlighting the ambiguous line between privateering and outright piracy, particularly involving figures like Francis Drake. Against this backdrop, the conversation delves into the Pirate Republic of Nassau in the Bahamas, a haven for pirates in the early 18th century, where figures like Charles Vane and Calico Jack operated. More significantly, the episode details Blackbeard's career, tracing his rise from a relatively unknown sailor to a notorious pirate captain, emphasizing the role of his image and the embellishments added by later accounts like Charles Johnson's "A General History of the Pirates." For instance, the discussion clarifies the distinction between historical fact and legend surrounding Blackbeard's appearance and actions. The interview concludes by examining the brutality of piracy, the motivations of pirates, and the eventual crackdown by the British government.