XYZ Affair

Federalists and Adams accused Jefferson of being an atheist who would bring the chaos of French Revolution here

Democ-Repub. and Jefferson accused Adams of acting like a king

John Adams (Washington's VP) won against Thomas Jefferson (former Sect. of State)

Washington had decided U.S. would not get involved in French conflict with Britain (neutral)

France took U.S. ships to prevent US trade with Britain

Adams tried to resolve this conflict with France and get our stuff back.

Adams sent envoys to meet with French (Agents X, Y, and Z to the public)

French agents demanded money (bribes and low-interest loans) before they'd talk about negotiations

American envoys refused & went home.

Hurt relationship between US and France even more

Hurt reputation of Democratic-Republicans (who supported the French)

War fever in the U.S. - government builds up the army, establishes a navy, cuts all alliances with France