The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between France and the United States that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War (1898-1800). The affair is named for three French representatives who demanded bribes from American envoys sent to France to meet avoid hostilities caused by French seizure of American merchant ships. When President Adams publicly released news of the French demands, he substituted the real names of the French diplomats with W, X, Y, and Z. Americans responded to the French demands with the rallying cry, "Millions for defense, but not one penny for tribute."
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"XYZ Affair ," American History Central, 2013, American History Central. 22 May 2013 <http://www.www.americanhistorycentral.com/entry.php?rec=480>
APA Style
"XYZ Affair ." (2013) In American History Central, Retrieved May 22, 2013, from American History Central: http://www.www.americanhistorycentral.com/entry.php?rec=480
