What stipulation was included in the Navy Act passed by Congress in 1794?

The stipulation included in the Navy Act of 1794 that the construction of ships would stop if peace was made with Algiers reflects the historical context of that time. The United States was facing challenges with piracy and conflict along the Barbary Coast, particularly with the Algerian corsairs. This act was a response to the need for a naval force to protect American commerce and interests in the Mediterranean Sea. By conditioning the shipbuilding program on the status of peace negotiations, Congress acknowledged both the need for a naval presence while also being responsive to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts. This approach demonstrates the delicate balance between military readiness and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions during a formative period in U.S. naval history.