From its humble beginnings in the 13th century, privateering grew with the discovery of the New World in the 15th century. It really began to flourish during the 16th and 17th centuries which was a fascinating period in maritime history.

Is privateering still legal?

Privateering, authorized by letters of marque, could offer a low-cost tool to enhance deterrence in peacetime and gain advantage in wartime. ... Finally, despite pervasive myths to the contrary, U.S. privateering is not prohibited by U.S. or international law.

When did privateering become illegal?

Privateering was at its height from the 16th to the 18th century. It was outlawed by most European powers in the Declaration of Paris (1856) and abolished by the Hague Conference of 1907.