Summary

"Six Frigates" by Ian W. Toll meticulously chronicles the birth and early development of the United States Navy, focusing on the construction and deployment of its first six frigates: Constitution, United States, President, Constellation, Congress, and Chesapeake. The narrative begins in the 1790s, when the young American republic faced the daunting challenge of protecting its maritime commerce from Barbary pirates and navigating the treacherous waters of European power politics. The decision to build a navy was fraught with controversy, pitting Federalists, who favored a strong central government and a robust military, against Republicans, who feared the expense and potential for tyranny associated with a standing army and navy.

The book vividly portrays the design and construction of these iconic warships, highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of American shipwrights like Joshua Humphreys. It explores the challenges of obtaining quality materials, managing costs, and overcoming political obstacles. Toll masterfully weaves together the technical details of shipbuilding with the human stories of the officers and sailors who manned these vessels, bringing to life the harsh realities of naval life in the age of sail.

The narrative then shifts to the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800), an undeclared naval conflict that provided the fledgling U.S. Navy with its first opportunity to prove its worth. The author recounts the daring exploits of American captains like Thomas Truxtun, whose victory aboard the Constellation over the French frigate L'Insurgente established the reputation of the U.S. Navy for skill and valor. However, the book does not shy away from the challenges and setbacks faced by the navy, such as the loss of the Philadelphia to Barbary pirates.

The Tripolitan War (1801-1805) takes center stage as Toll details the dramatic events of this conflict, including Stephen Decatur's daring raid to destroy the captured Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor and Edward Preble's relentless bombardment of Tripoli. The book also examines the complex political and diplomatic maneuvering that ultimately led to a peace treaty with Tripoli, albeit one that fell short of a complete victory for the United States. As the Napoleonic Wars raged in Europe, the United States found itself caught between the competing interests of Great Britain and France. The British practice of impressment, the seizure of American ships, and the economic restrictions imposed by both sides pushed the two countries towards war.

The culmination of the book is the War of 1812, a conflict that tested the resilience of the U.S. Navy and the young nation. Toll presents a gripping account of the war's key naval engagements, including the Constitution's victory over the Guerriere and the United States' capture of the Macedonian. He vividly describes the skill and courage of American sailors, as well as the challenges they faced in battling a more powerful and experienced enemy. Despite suffering setbacks and defeats, the U.S. Navy emerged from the War of 1812 with a newfound sense of confidence and a reputation for excellence.

The narrative concludes by exploring the legacy of the six frigates and their impact on the development of American naval power. Toll emphasizes that these vessels not only played a crucial role in protecting American commerce and asserting the nation's sovereignty, but also helped to shape the identity and values of the U.S. Navy as a professional and fighting force.