At the end of the 18th century, the new United States faced challenges from England and France, which seized American ships and sailors. The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic episode between the U.S. and France that became a major scandal. President John Adams sent Charles Pinckney, John Marshall and Marblehead’s Elbridge Gerry to negotiate with French Foreign Minister Charles Talleyrand.
Three French agents, dubbed X, Y and Z by Adams, met with the Americans. They demanded a $10 million loan for France, a $250,000 bribe for Talleyrand and a formal apology from Adams. The American delegates replied, “Millions for defense, sir, but not one cent for tribute!”
Two Americans, Pinckney and Marshall, were Federalists who wanted war with France, led by Alexander Hamilton. When negotiations failed, they returned home. Gerry, a Jeffersonian Republican, stayed and met secretly, with little success.
Adams made the French demands public, sparking outrage and bitterness. The XYZ Affair led to the Quasi-War, an undeclared naval war lasting two years until Napoleon seized control of France in 1800.
The XYZ Affair prompted the buildup of the U.S. Navy. The need for naval strength became apparent as the U.S. prepared for challenges in the War of 1812.
Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission and is the former Marblehead Museum executive director.
