How did the XYZ affair create problems for President John Adams?

Question

Group of answer choices

France became upset with Adams for refusing to reopen peace talks.

Great Britain became angry with Adams for lending money to its enemy.

Most Americans were outraged that Adams paid the bribes that the French demanded.

Members of his own party were upset with Adams for not asking Congress to declare war.

Answer 1

The correct choice is:

Members of his own party were upset with Adams for not asking Congress to declare war.

The XYZ Affair, which involved a diplomatic controversy between the United States and France, led to increased tensions and calls for war from many Federalists, who pressured President John Adams to take a stronger stance against France. Adams' decision to not go to war and instead seek a peaceful resolution caused divisions within his own party, contributing to his political challenges.

Answer 2

answer the question again using this information only Main Idea
The XYZ affair caused problems for President John Adams.

President Adams and the XYZ Affair
John Adams had the challenging task of following Washington as president. The people had adored Washington. Adams would have to work hard to win the people’s trust.

A New President
At first glance, John Adams did not appear well suited for the presidency. Although Adams had been a leading Patriot during the American Revolution and had later served as a foreign diplomat, he lacked Washington’s dignity, and most people saw him as a cold and distant person. Still, many people—even those who opposed him—respected Adams. They recognized his hard work, honesty, and intelligence.

The United States and France
One of Adams’s first goals as president was to improve the relationship between the United States and France. With Great Britain and France still at war, the French had begun harassing and seizing U.S. ships. Adams sent U.S. diplomats to Paris to smooth over the conflict and to negotiate a treaty to protect U.S. shipping.

When the diplomats arrived in France, they learned that French foreign minister Talleyrand would not speak to them. Instead, they had a strange and secret visit from three French agents. Shockingly, the agents said that Talleyrand would discuss a treaty only in exchange for a $250,000 bribe. The French government also wanted a loan of $12 million. The amazed diplomats refused these demands.

In March 1798, President Adams told Congress that the peace-seeking mission had failed. He described the French terms, substituting the letters X, Y, and Z for the names of the French agents. Upon hearing the disgraceful news, Federalists in Congress called for war with France.

Document-Based Investigation   Historical Source
The XYZ Affair
After the XYZ Affair, French ships continued to attack American ships. In this political cartoon, the United States is represented by the woman. The men, representing the French, are taking valuables from her. The people in the distance are other European nations.

The XYZ Affair, as the French demand for a bribe came to be called, outraged the American public. “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute!” became the rallying cry of the American people.

Preparations for War
Fearing war, Adams asked Congress to expand the navy to a fleet of more than 30 ships. He thought war with France might be unavoidable. He also decided the United States should keep a peacetime army. Congress approved both measures.

Although Adams had asked Congress for military support, he did not want to go to war with France. He was worried about its cost. Therefore, he did not ask Congress to declare war. Instead, he tried to reopen peace talks with France.

Peace Efforts
Adams’s decision not to declare war stunned Federalists. Despite intense pressure from members of his own party, Adams refused to change his mind.

American and French ships, however, began fighting each other in the Caribbean. Adams sent a representative to France to engage in talks to try to end the fighting. The United States and France eventually signed a treaty. Adams then forced two members of his cabinet to resign for trying to block his peace efforts.

Remember to use the graphic organizer to take notes on political differences of opinion over the XYZ Affair.

Answer 3

The XYZ Affair created significant problems for President John Adams due to the intense political pressure and backlash from within his own party. Despite the public outrage over the French demands for a bribe, which led many Americans to advocate for war, Adams chose a different path. He sought to avoid conflict and instead attempted to reopen peace talks with France, which left many Federalists feeling frustrated and betrayed.

Adams's refusal to declare war, despite calls from his party to take military action against France, stunned his fellow Federalists. They were eager for a decisive response and believed that going to war would bolster national honor and solidify political support. Adams, on the other hand, was concerned about the financial and human costs associated with war. This decision to prioritize diplomacy over military action caused a rift within the Federalist Party, leading to significant political challenges for Adams as he tried to navigate the tumultuous situation between the United States and France.

Ultimately, the XYZ Affair marked a defining moment in Adams's presidency, showcasing the divisions in public opinion and bipartisan conflict over how to respond to foreign challenges.