John Ferling says President Adams did not agree with the majority of Federalists.
“Adams, from the very beginning, seeks what he called an honorable peace. He tried to look for some sort of central position, centrist position, between the radical conservatives on the right and the radical liberals on the left.”
Adams was afraid that the French Revolution would destroy America. He believed the American economy and government would collapse if the country became involved in Europe’s struggle. So Adams tried to improve relations with France through negotiations. At the same time, Adams strengthened America’s defenses. We will be ready, he said, if war comes.
One incident, especially, brought France and America close to war. It is known in American history books as the "X, Y and Z Affair."
President Adams had appointed a committee of ministers to negotiate with the French government. French officials kept the ministers waiting for several weeks. While they waited, the ministers had a visit from three Frenchmen -- later called X, Y and Z.
X, Y and Z told the American ministers that France would sign an agreement if the United States did three things.
It had to lend the French government $12 million. It had to apologize for anti-French statements in a recent message from President Adams to the American Congress. And it had to pay the French foreign minister $250,000.
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2013-11-25
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