1797-1798: the XYZ affair (jan 1, 1797 – jan 1, 1798)

Description:

After the Adams Administration, a quasi-war developed with France; basically, they started fighting with Britain and America, despite signing a treaty during the American Revolution promising to help them, didn't do anything. After that, they signed the Jay Treaty with Britain, which outraged France, which proceeded to steal a bunch of American ships. George Washington sent some guy to France but the government refused to see him. Later, more people (including that last guy) tried to meet with the French prime minister, but he tried to force them into a bribe and they wouldn't do it.

When news of this whole thing reached America, people were super mad and began calling for war. America, being the war-hungry idiots that we are, began prepping and a naval quasi-war eventually broke out between the countries. This was inevitably resolved, though, at the Treaty of Mortefontaine, which was ratified in 1801.

During this time, the Adams administration took a middle ground, Hamilton federalists wanted to fight, and Jefferson wanted to avoid war. Naval power was built, but Adams also preferred not to become involved with European politics in the first place.

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