KidZone Maritime History of Captain Kidd
Captain Kidd: Pirate or Privateer?

Introduction

The tale of Captain Kidd, immortalized in the sea shanty by Great Big Sea, is a captivating mix of legend and reality. William Kidd was a Scottish sailor who lived during the late 17th century, and his story has become a symbol of the thin line between piracy and privateering.

The Song: Captain Kidd by Great Big Sea

Before diving into the history, let's explore the sea shanty "Captain Kidd" by Great Big Sea. This lively song recounts the life and misdeeds of Captain Kidd, painting a vivid picture of his adventures on the high seas.

Captain Kidd sea shanty coloring pages and lyrics

Historical Background

Early Life and Career:

William Kidd was born around 1645 in Scotland. He started his career as a privateer, which means he was legally authorized by his government to attack and capture enemy ships during wartime. Privateers played a crucial role in naval warfare, blurring the lines between patriotism and piracy.

Turn to Piracy:

In 1696, Kidd was commissioned to hunt pirates in the Indian Ocean. However, circumstances led to his own involvement in piracy. His crew, unhappy with their share of the plunder, pressured Kidd into attacking ships not sanctioned by his commission. This marked the beginning of his infamous turn to piracy.

Captain Kidd: The Man, the Myth, the Maritime Legend

The Capture and Trial

Kidd's downfall came when he captured the Quedagh Merchant, a ship sailing under French passes but owned by Armenian merchants. This controversial capture led to his arrest and trial in England. In 1701, Captain Kidd was found guilty of piracy and murder and was hanged in London.

The Capture and Trial of Captain Kidd: Economic Tensions on the High Seas

Legacy and Lessons

Captain Kidd's story serves as a cautionary tale about the thin line between privateering and piracy. It highlights the risks and moral dilemmas faced by sailors during the Age of Sail. His life, as echoed in the sea shanty, reminds us of the complexities of maritime law and the tumultuous nature of life at sea.

Activity: Understanding Privateering vs. Piracy

• Stories are best if read in order:
  • Stories: My Name is Captain Kidd
  • Stories: Gallows Math
  • Stories: A King's Burden

• Discussion Questions:

  1. What differences can you identify between a privateer and a pirate?
  2. How do you think Captain Kidd's actions were influenced by his crew?
  3. What might have led to the decision to prosecute Kidd for piracy?
• Captain Kidd coloring pages
• Captain Kidd sea shanty coloring pages

Conclusion

Captain Kidd's legend lives on through songs and stories, offering a window into the world of piracy and privateering. By studying his life, we gain insights into the broader maritime history of the 17th century and the perilous lives of those who sailed the high seas.