Existing comment:
What was the economic impact of piracy?
Pirates were both familiar with the workings of an international market economy and little affected by the uncertainties of economic change. They created an imperial crisis with their relentless and successful attacks on merchants' property and international commerce. Plungers were also exceptional both in volume and value. Pirates often intercepted large trading vessels, such as the Manila Galleons, which devastated Chinese and Spanish traders, due to the incredible amount of riches lost. Pirates could either keep those popular trade items or could sell them for copious amounts of money.
William Dampier's crew often south large trading vessels because they brought the most spoils. Money became a huge factor when food, supplies, and morale got low. |