The XYZ Affair outraged many Americans. What was President John Adams's initial stance on how to handle the issue? Select all that apply.

Question

(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

In response to the XYZ Affair, President John Adams's initial stance included:

• Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France.
• Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs.

So the correct selections would be the second and fourth options. Adams did not ask Congress for a vote to declare war, nor did he express a desire to declare war but resisted due to political pressures.