President John Adams increased the size of the American navy primarily because he hoped it would deter more attacks by French ships. During his presidency, tensions were rising between the United States and France, particularly due to the Quasi-War, an undeclared naval conflict that began in the late 1790s. Strengthening the navy was seen as a necessary measure to protect American shipping and interests from French privateers and to assert American sovereignty on the seas. Therefore, the most accurate answer is:
He hoped it would deter more attacks by the French ships.
69 answers