About this episode

This episode explores the role of privateers during the American Revolution, focusing on their dual purpose of fighting for independence and generating profits.

During the American Revolution, privateers prowled the Atlantic in search of British prizes—serving the Patriot cause while generating enormous profits for their investors. This episode explores the story of the privateer Oliver Cromwell, Captain Joseph Lee, and the high-risk business of Revolutionary War privateering. Was it a fight for independence, a business opportunity, or both?

Topics covered

• privateering
• American Revolution
• business opportunities
• independence
• naval history

Keywords

• privateers
• American Revolution
• Oliver Cromwell
• Captain Joseph Lee
• naval warfare
• British prizes
• profit

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Patriot

Places: Atlantic, British

More episodes of The Proceedings Podcast

• EP. 508: Lessons from F-35 Accidents and Naval Aviation Safety · July 15, 2026 · 43 min
• EP. 507: Navy Manpower and the Future of the Force with the Hon. Ben Kohlmann, ASN M&RA · July 9, 2026 · 34 min
• Naval History Podcast: Requiem for a Flyer · July 7, 2026 · 33 min
• EP. 506: The Stoic Anchor: Resilience, Readiness, and the Future of Naval Leadership · July 2, 2026 · 33 min
• Naval History podcast: Midway's Unsung Hero: The Long Fight to Honor Codebreaker Joe Rochefort · July 2, 2026 · 32 min
• EP. 505: When “Figure It Out” Becomes Bad Leadership · July 1, 2026 · 29 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Proceedings Podcast podcast page.