The XYZ Affair caused many Americans to want to go to war against France because France had insulted and tried to bribe the American diplomats. Despite strong pressure, Adams refused to ask Congress to declare war on France. Like Washington, he wanted to keep the country out of European affairs. However, he could not ignore French attacks on American ships, so he strengthened the navy by building frigates, fast-sailing ships with many guns. That move helped convince France to stop attacking American ships. Adams's Foreign Policy Divides the Federalists Led by Hamilton, many Federalists criticized Adams. They hoped a war would weaken the Democratic Republicans, who supported France. War would also force the nation to build its military forces.
A strong military would increase federal power, a key Federalist goal. Many Federalists also favored Britain in its war against France. Although Adams was a Federalist, he resisted Hamilton’s pressure for war. Their disagreement created a split in the Federalist party.
Over Hamilton’s opposition, Adams again sent diplomats to France. When they arrived, they found an ambitious young army officer, Napoleon Bonaparte, in charge. Napoleon was planning for war against several European powers. Thus, he had no time for a war with the United States. He signed an agreement to stop seizing American ships. Like Washington, Adams kept the nation out of war. His actions showed his leadership qualities as an elected leader. His success, however, cost him the support of many Federalists and weakened the party for the election of 1800.
President Adams chose to remain neutral, even though his own political party, the Federalists, supported going to war. What does that tell you about him and his leadership for the whole nation?
By choosing to put the safety of the nation ahead of his own party's interests/needs, President Adams showed....