Question

Millions for defense but not a cent for tribute” meant

A. the United States was gearing up for war with Britain on the basis of the failure of the Jay Treaty
B. many citizens wanted a larger navy for the United States
C. anger over the XYZ Affair pushed the public to want war with France
D. the United States was insulted by Napoleon’s demands in the Convention of 1800

Answer 1

The phrase pointedly referred to the United States' commitment to spend on its own defense rather than submit to French extortion during the XYZ Affair. It led to the public supporting a stronger military and navy, gearing up for the Quasi-War with France.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase "Millions for defense but not a cent for tribute" is associated with the U.S response to the XYZ Affair, a diplomatic incident that occurred during the administration of President John Adams. This phrase encapsulates the American public's stance towards the French demand for bribes as a precondition for negotiating with American diplomats.

As tensions escalated, President Adams and Congress supported measures to strengthen defense capabilities without ceding to French extortion, marking a surge in American patriotism and the willingness to stand firm against foreign aggression, even at the risk of naval conflict. This sentiment led to preparations for the so-called Quasi-War with France, and the public outcry pushed Congress to support Adams’s policies of strengthening the military and the navy, without resorting to outright war.