American Reactions to the XYZ Affair

The video discusses the XYZ Affair, where French attacks on American ships during US neutrality led President John Adams to send diplomats to negotiate with France. The French representatives, referred to as X, Y, and Z, demanded a bribe, which the Americans refused, leading to public outrage. Despite calls for war, Adams pursued further negotiations, eventually gaining respect from France.

Why were the French attacking American ships during the British-French conflict?

• They wanted to expand their territory.

• They wanted to support the British.

• They were angry at US neutrality.

• They were seeking new trade routes.

What was President John Adams' initial response to the French attacks?

• He sent diplomats to negotiate.

• He declared war on France.

• He ignored the attacks.

• He imposed trade sanctions on France.

Who were the American diplomats sent to negotiate with France?

• Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton

• Charles Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry

• George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay

• James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Henry Clay

What did the French representatives, known as X, Y, and Z, demand from the American diplomats?

• A military alliance

• A trade agreement

• A peace treaty

• A bribe

How did the American diplomats respond to the French demand for a bribe?

• They sought help from Britain.

• They negotiated a lower amount.

• They refused and returned home.

• They agreed to pay the bribe.

What was the American public's reaction to the XYZ Affair?

• They supported paying the bribe.

• They wanted to go to war with France.

• They demanded a trade embargo.

• They ignored the incident.

Who was ready to come out of retirement to lead the American army?

• Alexander Hamilton

• John Adams

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

What was the ultimate outcome of the XYZ Affair?

• The US paid the bribe.

• France agreed to respect US neutrality.

• The US formed an alliance with Britain.

• The US declared war on France.

What did the XYZ Affair demonstrate about the United States?

• Its willingness to pay bribes

• Its preference for military solutions

• Its demand for international respect

• Its desire for isolationism