Times up (or close to it)!
I think that a conclusion that can be taken from this poll is that, the Pirate Golden Age can cover many ages. But the general opinion is that the Pirate Golden Age ranges from 1600 to 1750.
But, this age can be broken into many groups. Most people think that the Pirate Golden Age started with the Elizabethan Sea Dogs. That age actually started a decade or two before 1600, but many people go with 1600 because by that time the Caribbean was properly colonized, and that it is easier to remember. The Sea Dogs dwindle down during the 1630s to 1650s. During this time, we have much struggle in the English Government. And during the 1650s the ships like the Sloop and Frigate start to evolve, and a new age in ships starts, and another age of major Piracy. This is why a lot of people say that the true golden age of Piracy was from 1650 to the 1700s. After the last Louis the 14th War ended in 1714, there were no more needs for Privateers, and peace would roam Europe for a few decades. So sailors with no jobs, and Privateers with no legal contracts, went to Piracy, but most of their power ran out by 1725. But some people say that the golden age continued until 1750. I think the only way that can be explained is that stories like "Treasure Island" took place in this time period. Also, the Schooner comes into major use at this time. But then, in the late 1740s, France and Britain go to war again, and there starts a series of wars for European countries to gain Imperialism. This would lead to the Napoleonic Wars, and during all these wars, Privateers thrived. After Napoleon's Wars, there was peace again. And Piracy made a rise again, but was quickly put down. So let me sum this up, There are 4 ages that the Golden Age of Piracy goes through:
-The Elizabethan Sea Dogs Age of Piracy: Late 16th Century to 1650s
-The Louis the 14th Wars Age of Piracy: 1650s to 1725
-The Imperialism Age of Piracy: 1740s to 1810s
-The Napoleonic Wars Age of Piracy: 1780s to 1820
Maybe there is no true Golden Age of Piracy, or maybe we will never agree on a true golden age. But I do know one thing, that most of the time we think of classical Pirates (with Blackbeard, Sir Henry Morgan, Captain Kidd), the Louis the 14th Wars Age of Piracy is that time period.