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.
which one is right?
He hoped it would deter more attacks by French ships.
President John Adams increased the size of the American navy in response to the quasi-war with France, a period of undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France between 1798 and 1800. French warships and privateers had been attacking American merchant vessels, and building up the navy was seen as a way to deter these attacks and protect American interests at sea without engaging in a full-scale war with France. The increase in naval power included the construction of new frigates, such as the USS Constitution, which became famous for its role in these conflicts and later actions.