Why did President John Adams increase the size of the American navy?
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.
He wanted to prepare for all-out war on Britain.
He hoped it would deter more attacks by French ships.
President John Adams increased the size of the American Navy primarily in response to increasing hostilities with France, which led to an undeclared naval conflict known as the Quasi-War (1798-1800). The conflict stemmed from a breakdown in diplomatic relations and anger over American neutrality during the war between Britain and France that followed the French Revolution. The French began to seize American merchant ships, and the XYZ Affair—a diplomatic incident where French agents demanded bribes from American envoys to begin negotiations—escalated tensions.
Adams, wanting to protect American interests and deter further French attacks, decided to strengthen the United States' naval capabilities. The increase was not intended to prepare for all-out war with Britain but was targeted at French aggression. While Adams did not seek an official declaration of war, a stronger navy would serve as a means for defending American commerce and helping to enforce any embargoes or retaliatory measures.
Adams' decision to boost the navy resulted in the creation of the Department of the Navy in 1798, the construction of new ships, and the funding for a more substantial naval force. This buildup allowed the United States to defend its maritime interests more effectively and ultimately led to improved naval engagements against the French, contributing to the end of the Quasi-War.