Jones Joined The American Navy As He Became Sympathetic To The Desire For Independence

Given his Scottish heritage, John Paul Jones understood the desire for independence on the part of a British Empire province. Because the Americans required experienced naval commanders, he joined the American Navy and quickly advanced through the ranks. Despite the British Navy's potential superiority, he was raised to the rank of captain and conducted numerous victorious campaigns against it.

Fortunately for Jones, the American colonies were preoccupied with igniting the war with the British to pay attention to his background. When the American Revolution began in 1775, Jones, who could still clearly remember how badly Britain had treated the Scots, sided with the colonists and enlisted in the fledgling Continental Navy.

Jones extended his activities after striking British ships near the American coast with considerable skill and audacity. He was the USS Providence's captain as it sailed to Nova Scotia and captured British ships.

Soon after, he assumed command of Ranger and sailed for France, where the French Admiral La Motte Piquet saluted his ship, making Ranger the first American vessel to ever be acknowledged by a foreign nation.