the XYZ Affair outraged many Americans. What was president john adams initial stance on how to handle the issue? select 2 that apply

a. adams asked congress for a vote to declare war on france
b. adams sent diplomats to negotiate with france
c. adams wanted to declare war, but resisted due to political pressures
d. adams wanted to stay out of european affairs

b. adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France

d. adams wanted to stay out of European affairs

The two options that apply to President John Adams' initial stance on how to handle the XYZ Affair are:

b. Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France
d. Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs

To determine President John Adams' initial stance on how to handle the XYZ Affair, we can review historical records and sources.

1. Adams asked Congress for a vote to declare war on France: This statement is not accurate. John Adams did not ask Congress for a vote to declare war on France. In fact, Adams was hesitant to go to war and sought other alternatives.

2. Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France: This statement is accurate. In response to the XYZ Affair, President Adams sent diplomats to France to engage in negotiations and resolve the tensions diplomatically. This was seen as a peaceful approach to handling the issue.

3. Adams wanted to declare war but resisted due to political pressures: This statement is not accurate. Although tensions were high, Adams did not have the intention of declaring war on France. He preferred a more diplomatic solution and sought negotiations rather than resorting to armed conflict.

4. Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs: This statement is partially accurate. While Adams was not keen on involving the United States in European conflicts, his primary concern during the XYZ Affair was the protection of American interests and national security. He recognized the need to address the issue with France rather than entirely staying out of European affairs.

Therefore, the two options that apply are:
- b. Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France.
- d. Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs.