USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The XYZ Affair was a series of diplomatic events that involved the U.S. and France during the late 1790s and was one of the most pressing issues during John Adams’ presidency. This incident resulted in an undeclared war known as the Quasi-War .

Detailed explanation-2: -After some time, Adams released the papers. However, the men’s names were redacted. The letters W, X, Y, and Z were used to hide their identities. Thus, the affair was called the XYZ Affair.

Detailed explanation-3: -Upon arriving in France, Gerry, Pinckney and Marshall found that they were unable to formally meet with the Foreign Minister, the Marquis de Talleyrand. The U.S. envoys were instead approached by several intermediaries, Nicholas Hubbard (later W, ) Jean Hottinguer (X), Pierre Bellamy (Y), and Lucien Hauteval (Z.)

Detailed explanation-4: -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-5: -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.