John Paul Jones changed history. He intercepted the warship Serapis that helped gain America’s independence. If Jones didn’t defeat the Serapis America would have had a much harder time gaining its independence and a lot more casualties. Jones was a very important man when comes to America’s history. Now we can live in independence thanks to John Paul Jones.

John Paul Jones was born in Scotland, 1742. Jones’ career at sea started at age 13 and he served on a merchant ship in Whitehaven. Jones quickly rose through the merchant ranks. He sailed on trading and slaver vessels. Jones was a skilled sailor so he became first mate of the slaver. Even though slave trade paid well, he became disgusted and left the ship. In 1768, while sailing Jones’ captain caught a fever and died. Jones was made temporary captain. Safely bringing back the ship its owner …show more content…
He later traveled to Philadelphia wanting to join the continental navy after the American Revolution had started. Jones was made first lieutenant of a frigate. A few years later on September 23 Jones intercepted a British convoy guarding it was the Serapis. Jones went for the Serapis and ordered the rest of his fleet to go capture the British convoy. Jones’ ship was nearly torn apart but he had succeeded in the end. Jones was discharged like every Continental Navy officer. Jones felt no one has given him enough credit for what he has done during the war. He was given an offer by the navy of Catherine the Great. He arrived in Russia in 1788; he served there for a few years and fought well. He fought with other Russian officers and was soon politically outmaneuvered by them. He left and traveled to Paris. In May, 1790 he was retired but still tried to get reentered into Russian service. He died on July 18, 1792 and was buried in St. Louis