A few, unable to compete effectively with slave labor, enamored of easy riches, or out of angst, continued to maintain the Brethren of the Coasts as a purely criminal organization which preyed upon all civilian maritime shipping. This second era of the Brethren began the age of piracy and brigandage which affected the Caribbean until socioeconomic and military changes of the late 18th and early 19th century finally broke its back.
Some, unable to compete with slave labor, infatuated with easy wealth, or driven by anguish, maintained the Brethren of the Coasts as a criminal organization that exploited civilian maritime shipping. This period saw piracy and banditry in the Caribbean until socioeconomic and military changes in the late 18th and early 19th century diminished its power.