1. The XYZ Affair (1797-1798)
In 1797, during President John Adams’s administration, American diplomats were sent to France to negotiate the cessation of French seizures of American merchant ships. Upon arrival, they were approached by French agents who demanded substantial bribes and a loan before formal negotiations could commence. This demand, known as the XYZ Affair, led to public outrage in the United States and nearly resulted in war with France. However, diplomatic efforts and the avoidance of direct military conflict led to the Quasi-War, an undeclared naval conflict that lasted from 1798 to 1800 (britannica.com).
