XYZ Affair
Definition
The XYZ Affair was a political and diplomatic episode in 1797 and 1798, early in the administration of John Adams, involving a confrontation between U.S. diplomats and French officials that led to an undeclared war called Quasi-War.
Analogy
Imagine you're trying to negotiate with someone at school over sharing your lunch table. They demand you give them your dessert every day just to talk about it - that's kind of what France did during XYZ affair, demanding bribes just to start negotiations!
Related terms
Alien & Sedition Acts: Laws passed by federalists giving government power to deport foreigners creating hurdles for immigrants seeking citizenship and making it harder for new immigrants to vote.
Quasi War: An undeclared naval war from 1798-1800 between US and France caused largely due to XYZ affair fallout.
John Adams: He was second president of United States during whose term XYZ affair took place leading up-to Quasi War with France.
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