Final answer:
Many Republicans were criticized for their pro-French stance and attempts to block war measures after the XYZ Affair, leading to increased partisan politics. The Federalist's Alien and Sedition Acts targeted the Republican party, but divisions within the Federalists and subsequent events led to Thomas Jefferson's presidential win in 1800, marking a peaceful transition of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the XYZ Affair, many Republicans faced criticism for their continued support for France and skepticism of the French threat, leading to intensified partisan politics in the United States. Republicans, led by figures like Albert Gallatin, opposed going to war with France and attempted to block war measures in Congress. The Republican Party was also associated with pro-French sentiments, which made them the subject of suspicion by the Federalists, especially after the Federalists passed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts that targeted immigrants and the Republican press. Despite facing domestic turmoil, the Republicans gained ground as the Federalists began to turn on one another, setting the stage for Thomas Jefferson's eventual victory in the presidential election of 1800, which was seen as a peaceful transfer of power and a 'second revolution.'