The XYZ affair outraged many Americans what was President John Adams initial stance on how to handle this issue select all that apply
(a) Adams asked Congress to vote to declare war on France
(b) Adams said diplomat mats to negotiate with France
(c) Adams wanted to declare war but resisted due to political pressure
(d) Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs
(b) Adams said diplomats to negotiate with France
(d) Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs
The correct answers 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 examine the events and historical context of that time period.
The XYZ affair refers to a diplomatic incident between the United States and France in the late 1790s, in which French officials demanded bribes before engaging in negotiations with American diplomats. This incident greatly outraged many Americans and led to increased tensions between the two nations.
To evaluate President Adams' initial stance on how to handle the issue, we need to consider the available options:
(a) Adams asked Congress to vote to declare war on France: This option suggests that President Adams actively sought the declaration of war against France. However, this was not his initial stance in response to the XYZ affair. Initially, Adams aimed to resolve the situation through diplomacy rather than immediately resorting to war.
(b) Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with France: This option aligns with Adams' initial approach. In response to the XYZ affair, President Adams chose to send diplomats to France in order to engage in negotiations and resolve the tensions between the two countries. Although the negotiations were unsuccessful, this demonstrates Adams' preference for using diplomatic channels.
(c) Adams wanted to declare war but resisted due to political pressure: This option suggests that while Adams personally desired to declare war against France, he faced resistance or pressure from political forces that led him to avoid such action. However, this statement does not accurately reflect Adams' initial stance. As previously mentioned, his initial approach was centered around diplomacy rather than opting for war.
(d) Adams wanted to stay out of European affairs: This option accurately reflects President Adams' initial stance regarding the XYZ affair. Adams was a strong advocate for maintaining neutrality and avoiding entanglement in the ongoing conflicts and alliances of European nations. Therefore, his initial position was to stay out of European affairs, including the tensions arising from the XYZ affair.
In summary, President John Adams' initial stance on how to handle the XYZ affair included sending diplomats to negotiate with France and a desire to stay out of European affairs.