how did conflicts with britain and france affect the presidency of john adams?

The war between the French and British was causing great difficulties for the United States on the high seas and intense partisanship among contending factions within the Nation.

President Adams took office at a time of conflict between Britain and France - and conflict between their partisans in the United States - Federalists for Britain and Jeffersonians for France.

Adams tried to quiet relations between Federalists and Republicans. He sent diplomats to France which turned into the XYZ affair - the French officials had refused to negotiate with them unless they would first pay a substantial bribe - they needed a $250,000 bribe from the Americans and a governmental loan to France of $12 million.

When the diplomats' report to Congress was made public, the war campaign sparked. Adams refused to declare war but advocated to strengthen the army and navy and made peace with Napoleon so the French would stop taking American ships.

For further reading, see:

• Whitehouse.gov - John Adams
• Lehrmaninstitute.org - History-Founders

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