[post_page_title]Privateering[/post_page_title]
Countries employed state-sanctioned pirates dubbed privateers, who were licensed with the letter of marque to attack foreign, enemy ships. This battle tactic proved to be efficient in delivering mortal blows to enemy navies, resulting in hundreds of sunken ships during The Age of Exploration. To deter sailors from taking on this profession, Spanish officials would hang pirates with their letters. Privateering was in use until its abolishment in the 19th century, and it was featured in the American Civil War.
