President Adams’ response to the XYZ Affair was one of diplomacy and moderation. Initially, Adams was outraged by the French agents' demand for bribes as a condition for negotiations, and he called for an increase in the size of the military and approved the establishment of a new department of the Navy. However, he did not want an all-out war with France, and instead, he sought peaceful resolution. Adams sent diplomats to negotiate with the French government and attempted to mend diplomatic relations. Ultimately, he sought to avoid a war with France and favored peaceful negotiations.
