Question

In many ways, privateering was a multinational and multiracial enterprise. How did privateers cooperate with outsiders in order to realize their goals? What does this tell us about the attitudes of 16th century privateers?

Answer 1

In the 16th century, privateering was a state-sponsored enterprise that involved multinational and multiracial cooperation, driven by the goal of wealth accumulation and enemy disruption. Privateers, backed by their governments, often worked hand in hand with outsiders, showing that the potential for profit could outweigh national and racial prejudices of the time.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the 16th century, privateering was indeed a multinational and multiracial enterprise. Privateers, under the sponsorship of their governments, particularly the English Crown, collaborated with various outsiders to achieve their objectives of disrupting enemy shipping and expanding their nation's wealth. Queen Elizabeth I of England legitimized such actions by awarding Letters of Marque, which gave privateers legal authority to capture or destroy property belonging to enemy nations. Cooperation among privateers and locals, sometimes including those from other nations and races, was based on common interests such as profit-sharing and mutual benefit against a common enemy.

This practice of privateering shows that despite the prevalent national rivalries and racial attitudes of the time, the allure of wealth and success on the high seas could transcend these divisions. Privateers often worked with one another irrespective of nationality when there were profits to be made, suggesting a form of pragmatism that overrode the era’s typical prejudices.