XYZ Affair facts for kids
In 1797, France started seizing American ships. This was a big problem for the young United States. President John Adams wanted to avoid a war. He decided to send special representatives to France. Their job was to talk about the rights of countries that wanted to stay neutral. A neutral country does not take sides in a war.
However, the French foreign minister, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, had other plans. He sent three secret agents to meet with the American officials. These agents demanded that America give France a large loan. They also insisted on a bribe. A bribe is money paid to someone to make them do something unfair.
President Adams refused these demands. When he told the American public in 1798, he kept the agents' names secret. He called them X, Y, and Z. This is why the event became known as the XYZ Affair. Americans were very angry about the demands. They famously declared, "Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute!" This meant they would spend money to protect themselves, but not to pay a bribe. President Adams began to prepare the country for war. However, he did not officially declare war. He still hoped to keep peace.
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What Was the XYZ Affair?
The XYZ Affair was a political event in 1797 and 1798. It involved the United States and France. France was fighting wars in Europe. It felt that the U.S. was helping its enemies. So, French ships began attacking American merchant ships. These were ships carrying goods for trade.
Why Did It Happen?
The United States had signed a treaty with Great Britain in 1794. This was called Jay's Treaty. France saw this treaty as a sign that the U.S. was siding with Britain. France and Britain were enemies. France believed the U.S. was no longer a true friend. This made France upset with America.
America's Peace Mission
President John Adams wanted to solve the problem. He sent three American diplomats to France. These men were Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry. Their goal was to negotiate a new agreement. They wanted to protect American shipping. They also hoped to avoid a full-scale war.
The Secret Agents' Demands
When the American diplomats arrived, they did not meet Talleyrand directly. Instead, three French agents approached them. These agents were later identified as Jean-Conrad Hottinguer, Pierre Bellamy, and Lucien Hautval. They demanded a large loan for France. They also asked for a personal bribe for Talleyrand. The Americans were shocked by these demands. They refused to pay.
Public Outcry in America
When President Adams learned about the demands, he was furious. He shared the details with the U.S. Congress. To protect the agents' identities, he referred to them as X, Y, and Z. The American public was outraged. People felt insulted by France's actions.
Preparing for War
The XYZ Affair led to strong anti-French feelings in America. Many Americans wanted to go to war. President Adams began to strengthen the U.S. military. He created the United States Department of the Navy. He also expanded the army. This period is sometimes called the "Quasi-War." It was an undeclared naval war between the two countries.
Ending the Conflict
Despite the anger, President Adams continued to seek peace. He sent new diplomats to France in 1799. By this time, Talleyrand was ready to negotiate. The two countries signed the Convention of 1800. This agreement officially ended the Quasi-War. It also canceled earlier treaties. This helped to improve relations between the U.S. and France.
Images for kids
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A British political cartoon depicting the affair: The United States is represented by Columbia, who is being plundered by five Frenchmen, including three characters wearing French cockades, one wearing the Phrygian cap – symbols of revolutionary, republican France. The figures grouped off to the right are other European countries; John Bull, representing Great Britain, sits laughing on the white cliffs of Dover depicted as a hill.
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Charles Cotesworth Pinckney headed the American commission.
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French Foreign Minister Talleyrand
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Jean-Conrad Hottinguer
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William Vans Murray
See also
In Spanish: Caso XYZ para niños
