The Barbary Pirates.
Tripoli declared war on the United States after the US refused to pay a bribe.
Tripoli.
tripoli
When America refused to pay a bribe to the Barbary States in the early 19th century, particularly to Tripoli, it led to the First Barbary War (1801-1805). The ruler of Tripoli, Pasha Yusuf Karamanli, declared war on the United States in response to this refusal. The conflict arose from ongoing tensions over piracy and the demands for tribute from American merchant ships in the Mediterranean.
Henry David Thoreau.
He practiced civil disobedience by not paying taxes to protest the war.
British Parliament
John Adams refused to pay the bribe and loan, viewing it as an attempt at bribery by the French agents. He reported the incident to Congress, leading to the XYZ Affair and escalating tensions between the United States and France.
refused to pay taxes during the Mexican war
George Washington refused to accept pay for his military service. He did, however, accept pay for his other public service, including his presidency.
The label given to the offer made by three French ministers in 1798 to renew diplomacy with the US in return for a bribe is known as the XYZ Affair. This incident strained relations between the two countries and led to an undeclared naval war known as the Quasi-War.
They had to fight in the Revolutionary War as well as help pay for it.