Edward TeachDuring the early 18th century throughout the Caribbean, a legendary pirate named Blackbeard would emerge as the most notorious pirate of all time. His turn to piracy influenced many others, such as Benjamin Hornigold and Stede Bonnet, to join the pirate league. Together, off the island of Martinique, Blackbeard and his fellow pirates captured the French slave ship La Concorde. He would keep this Vessel as his flagship and rename it Queen Anne's Revenge. After the pirates fired two volleys at La Concorde, Captain Dosset surrendered the ship.
Blackbeard contributed to the history of piracy and its branching continuity into the 20th and 21st century. With his influence of a shrewd and calculating leader, Teach, which what is presumed to be his actual name, denied the use of force. He relied instead on his fearsome image and reputation to evoke the response he desired from those he robbed. Despite the modern-day picture of the traditional dictatorial pirate, he commanded his vessels with the permission of their crews and there is no known account of him ever harming or murdering those he held captive. He was romanticized after his death, and became the inspiration for several pirate-themed works of fiction. |
Early lifeThere is little known about Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, regarding his life before his career as a pirate. It is presumed that he was born circa 1680 in Bristol, England and acted as a sailor on privateer ships during Queen Anne’s War (1702-1713). Once having settled in the Bahamian island of New Providence, he joined Captain Benjamin Hornigold’s crew around 1760. By positioning Blackbeard in command of a sloop, Hornigold would spark the journey of a legend that would embark on several piracy acts and forever impact history and social values.
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Blockade of Charleston
May, 1718, Teach entered into the mouth of Charleston Harbor in North Carolina in Queen Anne's Revenge and two smaller vessels. He plundered five merchant freighters and held the citizens hostage. In exchange for the citizens' safety, he wanted a chess full of medicines. It took a couple of days of negotiation, but the demand of medicines was turned over as were the hostages. Blackbeard's squad then escaped northward. Afterwards, he downsized his crew numbers to gain more of his share. The Royal Act of Grace granted Teach an official pardon and full immunity for all of the crimes he was responsible.