XYZ Affair: Definition & Significance In US History
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 sentiment for war with France rose. — Kuwait: Salah & Chantal Arrested – What Happened?
Background of the XYZ Affair
In the 1790s, France and Great Britain were at war. The United States, under President George Washington, declared neutrality. However, the Jay Treaty between the U.S. and Great Britain angered France, who saw it as a betrayal of their alliance with the United States during the American Revolution. France began seizing American ships trading with Britain.
To resolve the issue, President John Adams sent a delegation to France in 1797. The delegation included Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry.
The Incident
Upon arrival in France, the American delegation was approached by three French agents (referred to as X, Y, and Z in the official reports to Congress). These agents demanded a bribe of $250,000 and a loan to the French government before negotiations could begin. The American diplomats refused.
The details of the affair were made public in the United States, leading to widespread outrage and anti-French sentiment. The slogan "Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute" became a popular rallying cry. — Time Magazine: News, Analysis And Global Insights
Impact and Significance
The XYZ Affair had several significant consequences:
- Quasi-War: It led to an undeclared naval war between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800.
- Increased Military Spending: The U.S. government increased spending on the military, including the creation of the Department of the Navy.
- Alien and Sedition Acts: The Federalist Party, in power at the time, used the anti-French sentiment to pass the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were controversial laws that restricted immigration and limited freedom of speech.
- Decline of the Federalist Party: The controversy surrounding the Alien and Sedition Acts contributed to the decline of the Federalist Party and the rise of the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson.
Key Figures
- John Adams: The second President of the United States, who sent the delegation to France.
- Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall, Elbridge Gerry: The American diplomats sent to negotiate with France.
Conclusion
The XYZ Affair was a pivotal moment in early U.S. history. It tested the young nation's resolve and shaped its foreign policy. The affair also had significant domestic consequences, contributing to political divisions and shaping the future of American politics. — Merle Haggard's Marriages: How Many Wives Did He Have?
