XYZ Affair: APUSH Definition & Significance

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The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. U.S. diplomats were asked to pay a large bribe to meet with the French foreign minister. Americans were outraged, and Federalists called for war against France. It significantly shaped early U.S. foreign policy. — Barack Obama: Fact-Checking The Arrest Rumors

What Was the XYZ Affair?

The XYZ Affair occurred in 1797 when President John Adams sent a delegation to France to negotiate a solution to attacks on American shipping. The French agents, later identified as X, Y, and Z in official U.S. documents, demanded a bribe and a loan before any formal negotiations could begin. — Rohit Saraf Age: How Old Is The Rising Star?

Key Events and Players

  • The American Delegation: Consisted of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry.
  • French Agents X, Y, and Z: Demanded a bribe of $250,000 and a loan to France before negotiations.
  • President John Adams: Publicly revealed the affair, sparking outrage in the United States.

Impact on U.S. Politics and Foreign Policy

The XYZ Affair had several significant impacts:

  • Increased Anti-French Sentiment: The American public was outraged by the French demands, leading to widespread anti-French sentiment.
  • Quasi-War: An undeclared naval war between the U.S. and France from 1798 to 1800.
  • Strengthening of the Federalist Party: The Federalists, who favored a strong central government and a strong military, gained popularity.
  • Alien and Sedition Acts: Passed in 1798, partly in response to the crisis, these acts restricted immigration and limited freedom of speech and the press.

Long-Term Significance

The XYZ Affair influenced early U.S. foreign policy by promoting a cautious approach to alliances and emphasizing the need for a strong national defense. It contributed to the growing divide between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties and shaped American political discourse for years to come.

Understanding the XYZ Affair is crucial for APUSH students as it highlights early challenges in American foreign relations and the development of American political identity. Be sure to review primary source documents and consider the perspectives of different figures involved to gain a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal event. — ABC Bullion Perth: Your Guide To Precious Metals

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