XYZ Affair: Adams' Peace Commission Scandal Sparks Tensions with France

President John Adams nominated Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry to form a peace commission to negotiate with France. The Senate confirmed the initial three officials, but after Francis Dana declined due to health concerns, Adams replaced Dana with Gerry, and the Senate concurred promptly. The mission faced a major diplomatic scandal when the U.S. commissioners in France were asked for bribes by three intermediaries, code-named "X, Y, and Z." This incident, known as the "XYZ Affair," escalated tensions between the United States and France, leading to widespread public outrage and contributing to the Quasi-War. The event underscored the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges inherent in maintaining national integrity. #Diplomacy #USHistory #AdamsAdministration #XYZAffair #MoofLife