XYZ Affair
diplomatic episode between the U.S. and France / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The XYZ Affair was a political affair in 1797 and 1798 when John Adams was president. The affair involved the United States and the French First Republic. This affair led to the Quasi-War.
This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (May 2024) |
President John Adams wanted to avoid a war with France, so he sent diplomats to find a solution. The diplomats were approached by three French agents, who insisted a loan and a bribe. The Americans refused the bribe. John Adams called the Frenchmen as X, Y, and Z. This led to its name.
Americans were angry at the bribe. The situation led to the Quasi-War, where war was prepared, but not declared