Xyz Affair And Quasi War Essay

The XYZ Affair and Quasi War

Post-revolutionary America struggled to find a place in a rapidly changing world. Leaders worked to preserve peace and unity between the states and other countries. John Adams once exclaimed that if he were chosen to run the nation, he would never move aggressively against France without a necessary cause. (DeConde 3) Two years later, the French had captured hundreds of helpless American merchant vessels. Amidst America’s pleas for them to stop, France demanded payment. Soon an unofficial war between the two countries ensued. The XYZ Affair and Quasi War empowered post-revolutionary America through acting as a catalyst for strengthening the military, improving status in relations with France, and increasing trade

Following the Revolutionary War, U.S. leaders believed maintaining naval vessels cost too much. Selling the colonial navy to other countries and merchants soon followed. When French warships began to capture defenseless American merchant vessels, leaders turned to President Washington’s words. "If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace.., it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War." (qtd. in Navy History) Congress authorized the raising of a 10,000-man standing land force. They also authorized the "Act to Provide a Naval Armament," letting President John Adams acquire six frigates, four carrying forty- four guns each and two holding thirty-six guns. The House of Representatives passed the act by a vote of fifty to thirty- nine. (Navy History) The three U.S.

Before the Quasi War, in the wake of the 1789 French revolution, the strained relations between the United States and the new French Republic ripened. A few years later France and Britain went to war. Although the U.S. declared neutrality in this war, both sides captured and sold American merchant vessels. In 1794, Jays Treaty was signed with Britain, and France was furious. The French believed it made the United States one step closer to an alliance with Britain, and began to increase its efforts to thwart trading with Britain. This began to pinch the wallets of the infuriated American citizens, and they called for war. (DeConde 45-46) President John Adams, tried to avoid war at all costs. In 1797 he sent John Marshall, Elbridge Gerry, and Charles Pinckney to find a peaceful solution to disagreements. Instead of being able to talk to Prime Minister Talleyrand face to face, they were approached by intermediaries who demanded a 32 million Dutch Florian loan, and a bribe of $250,000 to even speak with Talleyrand. The three diplomats agreed that these terms were unreasonable, and decided that perhaps later France would soften their demands. (DeConde 47-49) France threatened war, and the envoy answered, “… if war comes, the United States will protect itself.” (qtd. in DeConde 48) Within a few weeks, Talleyrand had dropped the importance of the bribe, but still demanded the loan. Charles