Answer:
In 1798, after escalating tensions between the United States and France due to their relationships with Britain, it was made public that Talleyrand, the French foreign minister had asked for a bribe to keep the negotiations going forward. This inspired cries for retaliation and almost provoked a war.
Step-by-step explanation:
After that, Congress approved several defense actions, such as the creation of the Department of the Navy, the construction of warships, and an attack on French vessels that started an undeclared naval conflict known as the Quasi-War.