USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -"Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute” is most closely associated with the XYZ Affairs. It was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomates that resulted in a limited, undeclared was known as the Quasi-War.

Detailed explanation-2: -Americans were furious over the XYZ affair, along with both the Federalist and Democratic-Republican political parties. Americans were ready to actually fight the French, and the situation led to the creation of the Department of the Navy.

Detailed explanation-3: -In response to the French demand of a bribe, U.S. diplomat Charles Pinckney made the statement, “millions for defense not one cent for tribute, ” and he meant the U.S. would rather spend money fighting France in an armed conflict than pay them anything in the form of a bribe.

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: -Word of the “XYZ affair” aroused a popular demand for war. The popular slogan was “millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.” The Federalist-controlled Congress prepared for war by authorizing a 20, 000 man army and calling George Washington out of retirement as commander in chief.