Enlightenment · North America · Politics

1797

XYZ Affair

1797

Three American envoys to Paris were approached by French agents (coded X, Y, and Z in dispatches) demanding bribes before negotiation could begin. 'Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute,' Charles Pinckney allegedly replied. The affair inflamed American opinion and brought the new republic to the edge of war with its old ally.

More from 1797 Enlightenment

In context

Also in 1797 (4 other events on record)

Treaty of Campo Formio · Europe · Politics
Haydn's Emperor's Hymn · Europe · Culture
Spithead Mutiny · Europe · Politics
Battle of Camperdown · Europe · War

Before and after in North America

Before: September 19, 1796: Washington's Farewell Address
After: 1798: Alien and Sedition Acts

Before and after in Politics

Before: September 19, 1796: Washington's Farewell Address
After: May 23, 1798: Irish Rebellion

Era

Enlightenment (1651–1800), one of 696 events from that era on Saeculum.

Sources

Wikipedia: XYZ Affair