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The XYZ Affair was when the French demanded large payments before discussing peace terms, Americans were outraged. They called it the XYZ Affair for the three French agents involved. Many Americans wanted it, but Adams worked carefully to avoid a war with France so soon. The U.S. Navy had a very small army. Adams built up the U.S. Army and Navy for protection, while sending Americans to France to work on peace. The U.S. never officially declared war, but between 1797 and 1800, both sides were attacking ships at sea. Finally, in 1800 the U.S. and France signed a peace treaty. France was already at war with Great Britain, and neither nation wanted the United States to be involved. Adams' ability to avoid war through careful diplomacy was a major success.

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13y ago

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