MAKING OF A NEW NATION 1776 1800
PRESIDENT JOHN ADAMS FROM ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS TO XYZ AFFAIR
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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Demanded money first
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Wanted war with Spain
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Wanted war with France
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Demanded a shipping contract
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Detailed explanation-1: -He intended to end attacks on U.S. merchant shipping, but wanted first to increase his personal wealth, strengthen his political position within the Directory government, and ensure that he would deal only with Elbridge Gerry, the American commissioner who seemed most friendly to French interests.
Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -An American diplomatic commission was sent to France in July 1797 to negotiate a solution to problems that were threatening to break out into war.
Detailed explanation-4: -The XYZ Affair refers to a diplomatic mission between French and American diplomats. European countries, especially France and Great Britain, were often involved in some war or conflict. Because of this, President George Washington established the principle of American neutrality.