Blog Post #3 "Heroes or Villains"
The life of a pirate was often treading on a thin line of morality and legality which often led them to take on repulsive acts or morally questionable choices.
It is important to note that a large portion of young men who took on the Caribbean sea were "brought up in civilized society, and who have been accustomed to obey laws" (Buccaneers and Pirates of Our Coast Ch.3).
Daniel Montbars (The Exterminator) was such a man who own morals led him to being feared by the Spanish.
Having read of the atrocities committed by the Spaniards was enough for him to act so violently towards the Spanish that only two others can match his wrath towards the Spanish Empire.
Errors in judgment have led many to an early grave either through an under estimation of risk or through misinterpretation of law. Captain Kidd was someone who met such a fate after one decision that started and ended his career of "piracy".
William Kidd prior to being labeled a pirate was a Privateer for the English Governor of New York. His fall to piracy was a result of a supposed incorrect interpretation of his charter which the crown of course has the final say.
To clear his own name he chose to return to New York to seek friends to vouch for his own Innocence. Instead he only found the authorities and a trial in which he had few sympathizers after details of his exploits were revealed.
The actions of pirates can not so easily be portrayed as entirely good or evil ,but for the most part the life of a pirate was an ugly one. With questionable legal documents and constant conflicts between countries being at the center of so much of the era of piracy.
Dockett, Eric. “Famous Pirates in History: Stories From the Golden Age of Piracy.” Owlcation, Owlcation, 22 Jan. 2020, owlcation.com/humanities/Golden-Age-of-Piracy.
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