Final answer:
Piracy in the Atlantic World evolved from privateering to buccaneers and freebooters, reflecting varying levels of imperial power and the progress of European colonization of the Americas. Piracy eventually ceased in American waters due to factors such as increased naval presence, stronger law enforcement, and the establishment of permanent colonies by European powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evolution of piracy in the Atlantic World over four hundred years can be traced through different eras, beginning with privateering, then buccaneers and freebooters, and ending with the last flurries of privateering during the revolutionary era. Privateering was a form of state-sponsored piracy practiced by England in the New World. It involved issuing licenses to sailors to plunder Spanish ships and towns in the Americas.
Privateers helped England gain wealth and challenged the Spanish empire. The levels of imperial power and the progress of European colonization of the Americas greatly influenced the form and scale of piracy in each era. For example, during the era of buccaneers and freebooters, piracy increased as Spain's power declined and the English and French expanded their colonies in the Caribbean.
However, piracy eventually ceased in American waters due to various factors. The increased presence of navies and stronger military forces, improved maritime law enforcement, and the decline of Spanish power contributed to the decline of piracy. Additionally, as European powers established permanent colonies and gained control over their territories, there was less opportunity and need for privateering and piracy.