John Adams
When Adams became President, the war between the French and British was causing great difficulties for the United States on the high seas and intense partisanship [taking of sides] among contending factions within the Nation.
His administration focused on France, where the Directory, the ruling group, had refused to receive the American envoy and had suspended commercial relations.
Adams sent three commissioners to France, but in the spring of 1798 word arrived that the French Foreign Minister Talleyrand and the Directory had refused to negotiate with them unless they would first pay a substantial bribe. Adams reported the insult to Congress, and the Senate printed the correspondence, in which the Frenchmen were referred to only as "X, Y, and Z."…
President Adams did not call for a declaration of war, but hostilities began at sea. At first, American shipping was almost defenseless against French privateers, but by 1800 armed merchantmen and U.S. warships were clearing the sea-lanes.
—WhiteHouse.gov
Based on the information in the excerpt, what can be inferred about the effect the war between France and England had on the United States?
A.) Congress became united in wanting to attack the French.
B.) The refusal to pay the bribe resulted in a suspension in French trade that deeply altered the American economy.
C.) The negotiations led to further disputes among the French Directory members regarding British trade policy.
D.) The attacks on U.S. ships led to strengthening the through building more frigates.
Please explain why! I will give brainly if the answer is correct! <3
