Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

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What was the primary purpose of the negotiators sent during the XYZ Affair?

To negotiate a peace treaty with Great Britain
To address trade issues with Spain
To discuss problems with France
To secure an alliance with Native American tribes

The correct answer is: To discuss problems with France

The primary purpose of the negotiators sent during the XYZ Affair was to discuss problems with France. In the late 1790s, relations between the United States and France had become increasingly strained, particularly after the French Revolution and the emergence of the French Directory, which was critical of American ties to Britain. The United States sought to resolve disputes over shipping and trade rights that had arisen due to French privateering against American merchant vessels. When diplomats were sent to France to negotiate these issues, they were met with demands for bribes from French agents, which escalated tensions further and led to a quasi-war between France and the United States. This incident significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy and public sentiment toward France during that period. Understanding this context highlights why the focus of the negotiators was on addressing the complications in the relationship with France, making this choice the correct one.