USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The French demanded that the United States provide France with a low-interest loan, assume and pay American merchant claims against the French, and lastly pay a substantial bribe to Talleyrand.

Detailed explanation-2: -In Paris the ministers were approached by three French agents who suggested a bribe of $250, 000 to Talleyrand, the French foreign minister, and a loan of $10, 000, 000 to France as a prelude to negotiations.

Detailed explanation-3: -The XYZ Affair (1797-1798) involved an American peace delegation in France, three agents of the French Foreign Minister (labeled as X, Y, and Z in President John Adams’ initial communications with Congress), and the French Foreign Minister’s demand for a bribe from the American delegation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Congress subsequently authorized various defense measures, including the creation of the Department of the Navy and the construction of warships. Then, in July 1798, it authorized American ships to attack French vessels, launching an undeclared naval war that came to be referred to as the Quasi-War.

Detailed explanation-5: -Although it was widely known that diplomats from other nations had paid bribes to deal with Talleyrand at the time, the Americans were offended by the demands, and eventually left France without ever engaging in formal negotiations.