key term - XYZ Affair

Definition

The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident in 1797-1798 that strained relations between the United States and France. During this conflict, American diplomats were approached by French agents, later referred to as X, Y, and Z, who demanded bribes and loans for France in exchange for negotiations to end attacks on American ships. This event highlighted the tensions in U.S.-French relations during the early years of the republic and ultimately influenced key figures in shaping foreign policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The XYZ Affair arose when President John Adams sent diplomats to France to negotiate peace but was met with demands for bribes from French agents.
2. The public outrage following the XYZ Affair led to an increase in anti-French sentiment among Americans and fueled the Federalist Party's political power.
3. This incident ultimately resulted in the Quasi-War, a naval conflict where American ships engaged in combat with French privateers.
4. The XYZ Affair played a significant role in solidifying support for the Federalist Party, as they took a hardline stance against France.
5. The scandal surrounding the XYZ Affair also contributed to the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which targeted immigrants and restricted free speech.

Review Questions

• How did the XYZ Affair influence public opinion and political dynamics in the United States at the time?
  • The XYZ Affair significantly influenced public opinion by inciting a wave of anti-French sentiment among Americans. This incident portrayed France as untrustworthy and aggressive, leading many to rally around the Federalists, who advocated for a strong response. The uproar over the French demands reinforced support for a robust military policy and shifted political dynamics by increasing Federalist power at the expense of their rivals, the Democratic-Republicans.
• Discuss how the XYZ Affair led to changes in U.S. foreign policy during John Adams' presidency.
  • The XYZ Affair prompted John Adams to adopt a more assertive foreign policy stance aimed at protecting American interests. Instead of escalating military conflict with France, Adams pursued diplomacy while preparing for potential war, which was evident through increased naval expenditures and formation of an interim army. This balancing act aimed to maintain national security without fully engaging in warfare, marking a pivotal moment in early American foreign policy.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the XYZ Affair on American political development and foreign relations.
  • The long-term implications of the XYZ Affair on American political development were profound. It not only solidified Federalist dominance during a crucial period but also laid groundwork for future conflicts over civil liberties, as seen with the Alien and Sedition Acts. In terms of foreign relations, it marked an early instance of America asserting its sovereignty on the world stage while highlighting challenges in balancing diplomacy with national security concerns, shaping how future administrations approached international conflicts.

Related terms

Quasi-War: An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800, resulting from the XYZ Affair and marked by sea battles.

Alien and Sedition Acts: A set of laws passed in 1798 by the Federalist-controlled Congress aimed at suppressing dissent and restricting immigration during a time of perceived national threat.

Federalists:

A political party in the early United States that supported a strong central government and was pro-British, often at odds with the Democratic-Republicans.