After the XYZ Affair, John Adams took a cautious approach regarding negotiations with France. He believed that avoiding war was essential for the young nation, despite the pressure from his party to engage in conflict. Adams sought to pursue diplomatic channels to resolve tensions, ultimately leading to peace negotiations that helped avoid a full-scale war. His decision to prioritize diplomacy over military action distinguished his presidency and showcased his commitment to maintaining peace.
Benjamin Franklin and John Adams
The three officials sent by President John Adams to France for negotiations were supposed to meet with French Foreign Minister Charles Maurice de Talleyrand. However, upon their arrival, they encountered three French agents who demanded bribes before facilitating any meeting with Talleyrand, leading to the XYZ Affair, which heightened tensions between the United States and France.
During what's known as the XYZ Affair, President Adams sent diplomats to France for the purpose of attempting to negotiate peace with France. The end result was the Treaty of Mortefontaine.
Charles Pinckney was the US Minister to France during the XYZ Affair. This occurred during the presidency of John Adams.
That was France in the XYZ Affair of the 1790s.
XYZ Affair
Benjamin Franklin and John Adams
The ultra-Federalists were angered with President Adams and his plan to negotiate with Napoleon.Their position was the opposite of party leader and US President Adams. They wanted to capture New Orleans and the Floridas.
The XYZ Affair, a diplomatic incident between the United States and France in the late 1790s, is often associated with John Adams' statement about the French demand for bribes: "Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute." This quote encapsulates the American stance against paying bribes to foreign powers. Additionally, Adams referred to the French agents as X, Y, and Z, which became emblematic of the affair and highlighted the secretive nature of the negotiations. The incident ultimately fueled anti-French sentiment and contributed to the Quasi-War between the two nations.
John Adams was the US President (from 1797-1801). The resolution of the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800) came too late to help him gain re-election.
It was John Adams
I don't really think it affected his term in office.. He just had to think quickly to not go to war with France.