Question

The XYZ Affair outraged many Americans. What was President John Adams's initial stance on how to handle the issue? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Adams asked Congress for a vote to declare war on France.
• Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France.
] Adams wanted to declare war, but resisted due to political pressures.
• Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France.
- Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs.

He dispatched envoys (Pinckney, Marshall, and Gerry) to negotiate after the XYZ Affair and, while he strengthened defenses and the navy, he resisted calls for a formal declaration of war and sought to avoid entanglement in European conflicts.