Chapter 20 Summary and Analysis

"Pirates and Patriots" sets the scene for the Battle of New Orleans. When Louisiana joins the Union in 1812, most citizens care only that the price of cotton remain high. Statehood raises taxes and creates "anarchic politics," among the Americans who vaunt their power over French Creoles who cling to Old World ways and the Spanish, who hate U.S. laws and customs. Both groups hope Napoleon will end their "American exile." The war is unpopular and the governor is certain that the British will prevail. Indolence is a way of life in New Orleans. The one group with a positive attitude are the 500 pirates operating in the bayous, swamps, and islands around New Orleans. The best situated, Jean Laffite, has a $500 bounty on his head, which he doubles for Gov. Claiborne's head. Lafitte buys African slaves cheaply in the West Indies...