Were There Pirates in the 1920s?

When we think of pirates, images of swashbuckling adventurers on the high seas often come to mind, typically set in the distant past. However, piracy is not just a phenomenon of the Golden Age of Piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. This article explores the existence and activities of pirates in the 1920s, shedding light on a less commonly discussed era of piracy.

The Context of the 1920s

The 1920s, often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties,” was a period marked by dramatic social and economic change. Post-World War I prosperity led to new cultural dynamics and technological advancements. However, it was also a time of prohibition, organized crime, and significant geopolitical shifts, which created a fertile ground for various forms of illegal activities, including piracy.

Piracy in the 1920s: Key Areas and Activities

While traditional pirate imagery might not align with the 1920s, maritime piracy did indeed exist during this era. The nature and scope of piracy evolved, adapting to the new political and economic landscapes of the early 20th century.

1. The South China Sea

The South China Sea was notorious for piracy during the 1920s. The region’s complex geopolitical situation, with many islands and poorly patrolled waters, made it a prime area for pirate activities. Pirates in this region often targeted merchant ships carrying valuable goods between the various ports of Southeast Asia.

2. The Caribbean and West Indies

While the Caribbean is famously known for its pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries, it still experienced piratical activities in the 1920s. The prohibition era in the United States saw a rise in rum-running, which is the illegal smuggling of alcohol. Smugglers in the Caribbean, often referred to as pirates, played a significant role in supplying the American market with alcohol, navigating through the islands to evade coast guards.

3. The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea also saw its share of piracy during the 1920s. Political instability in the region, especially after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, led to increased maritime raiding. Pirates in this area often attacked yachts and smaller coastal traders, plundering goods and kidnapping individuals for ransom.

Notable Examples and Incidents

• The Incident of the SS Chekiang: In 1925, the SS Chekiang, a British merchant steamer, was attacked by pirates in the South China Sea. The pirates looted the ship and took hostages, which drew international attention to the ongoing issue of piracy in the region.
• Rum-Running in the Caribbean: One of the most famous figures associated with this era was Bill McCoy, an American smuggler who was never officially captured for piracy but was well-known for his high-quality smuggled liquor, which was often transported under threat from other less scrupulous pirates.

Impact and Response

The persistence of piracy in the 1920s led to increased naval patrols and international cooperation to combat maritime crime. The League of Nations and newly formed coastal guard units in various countries took steps to protect trade routes and prosecute those involved in piratical acts.

Conclusion: The Legacy of 1920s Piracy

While not as romanticized or well-documented as the piracy of earlier centuries, the 1920s was indeed a period where piracy continued to affect global commerce and maritime security. The era contributed to the evolution of international maritime law and anti-piracy measures that helped shape the modern world’s approach to dealing with piracy. Understanding this aspect of the 1920s helps provide a fuller picture of this dynamic decade.

In conclusion, the 1920s, with its unique blend of prohibition, economic prosperity, and geopolitical turmoil, created conditions ripe for piracy, which, though less famed, played a significant role in shaping maritime practices and policies that are still relevant today.