Why did Adams increase the size of the American navy?
(1 point)
Responses
He wanted to prepare for all-out war on Britain.
He wanted to prepare for all-out war on Britain.
He hoped it would deter more attacks by French ships.
He hoped it would deter more attacks by French ships.
He needed to use tax money to fund an increase in military spending.
He needed to use tax money to fund an increase in military spending.
Congress passed a law that required him to increase support for the navy.
None of these responses are fully accurate in explaining why Adams increased the size of the American navy. The most accurate answer would be that Adams increased the size of the American navy because he wanted to strengthen the country's defenses and protect American interests, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflicts and threats from European powers.
The correct answer is: He hoped it would deter more attacks by French ships.
To find out why Adams increased the size of the American navy, we should consider the context of the situation. During John Adams' presidency from 1797 to 1801, the United States was facing several challenges on the seas. There were tensions with both Britain and France, as the two European powers were involved in a war that affected American trade and neutral rights.
One of the possible reasons for Adams' decision to increase the navy was his desire to prepare for all-out war with Britain. However, this answer is not correct, as it is stated twice.
Another reason could be that Adams hoped a larger navy would deter more attacks by French ships. This answer seems more plausible since there were instances of French ships attacking American vessels during this time period. By increasing the navy's size, Adams may have wanted to send a message to the French government that the United States was capable of defending itself.
It is not mentioned that Adams needed to use tax money to fund an increase in military spending, so this answer can be excluded.
Lastly, it is not stated that Congress passed a law that required Adams to increase support for the navy, so this answer is also incorrect.
Based on the available options, the most likely reason for Adams increasing the size of the American navy was that he hoped it would deter more attacks by French ships.