The modern era comprises of international laws and globalization. But, when we give heed towards the Elizabethan era, we do not find any such thing, and the rulers of every nation were busy increasing the power. Every possible mean was being used for accomplishing this purpose of increasing the power. Their purpose was to strengthen the kingdom by hook or crook.
Privateering was one such act, which was meant for strengthening the nations through the mean, which is supposed to be unlawful according to the international laws of today. Privateering was a lawful piracy during that period. It is a known fact that piracy was prevalent in the seas and oceans in the Elizabethan period. The governments tried to take advantage of this act, and they issued the letters, according to which some of their officers were declared as pirates for raiding the treasure ships of the enemy nations. These legal pirates gained so much popularity that their pirate clothes also became part of fashion in the modern times.
In England, ‘Letter of Marque’ was issued, which is why a number of privateers came in the limelight that raided the Spanish and French Ships. These privateers were not only the lawful pirates, but were also the excellent explorers, who would explore the things from the other world. Moreover, they were also the government officers; therefore, they would sometimes go for the battles also. Some of the famous Elizabethan privateers include Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Richard Hawkins, Sir Martin Frobisher, Sir Humphrey Gilbert and Sir Richard Grenville. Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh were two most famous privateers, who went for the battle with Spanish Armada also from the English side.
Other nations also used the privateers for the same purpose. France issued “lettre de marquee”, which was the French equivalent to the “letter of marquee”. In France, corsairs were the privateers, who were authorized to conduct the raids on behalf of France at the time of war with some other nation. Unlike English privateers, corsairs in France were not part of the French Navy, but still they were authorized to raid the ships of the enemy nations.
Privateering has been abolished nowadays, but people have still retained their memory in the form of pirate clothing. Similarly, the outfits of the outlaw raiders have also gained the huge fame. The pirate shirts, pants, skirts and gowns etc. of the lawful as well as outlaw raiders can be obtained from a number of websites of the online merchants.