Final answer:
The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic conflict between the United States and France during the presidency of John Adams, involving a French demand for bribes from American negotiators. It led to the Quasi-War, an undeclared naval conflict, and influenced domestic politics and policies, such as the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident that happened in 1797 and 1798 during the presidency of John Adams. The affair involved the United States and France. It began when a group of American diplomats was sent to France to negotiate a treaty to protect American shipping from French pirates.
However, instead of welcoming negotiations, French agents, referred to only as X, Y, and Z in diplomatic correspondence released by President Adams, demanded a hefty bribe and a loan for France as preconditions for beginning treaty talks.
This demand for a bribe was viewed as an insult by the United States and led to public outrage when President Adams disclosed the details to Congress in March 1798. The event turned public opinion against France and prompted an undeclared naval war, known as the Quasi-War. In response to the affair and the subsequent French actions, Congress passed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, and the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were passed to oppose these acts.
Domestic Turmoil ensued as the XYZ Affair and the Quasi-War increased partisan politics within the United States. While the Federalists were vindicated in their warnings about France, the pro-French Democratic-Republicans criticized President Adams and questioned the validity of the French threat. Despite internal opposition, the Adams administration prepared for conflict, which ultimately remained an unresolved naval skirmish rather than a full-fledged war.