Question

What did X, Y, and Z want?

a. To meet for a treaty
b. To kill the American diplomats
c. A bribe
d. To apologize for their rudeness

Answer 1

X, Y, and Z wanted a bribe for French Foreign Minister Talleyrand as part of the conditions to begin diplomatic negotiations with the United States, leading to the breakdown of talks. Hence, the correct answer is option (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The individuals referred to as X, Y, and Z during the XYZ Affair wanted a bribe. They demanded from the American envoys an apology from President Adams for anti-French statements, payment of outstanding debts, and a loan that amounted to a bribe for the French Foreign Minister Talleyrand's private use. This situation ultimately led to the breakdown of negotiations between the United States and France.