Extortion and secret agents sound like the plot of a James Bond film, however, corruption and clandestine dealings were commonplace in 18th century European diplomacy. In the 1790s, relations between France and America were unstable, despite being allies during the American Revolution. A series of failed negotiations, a revolution in France, and a lack of support on both sides led to increased hostility. The French crossed the line by attempting to extort bribes during the peace negotiations. This incident is known as the XYZ affair. In the United States there was nationwide turmoil, which caused even more hostility and even an undeclared war. (Kohn) Political maneuvers like the XYZ Affair shape and shape the world's relationships just as war does. The anger between France and the United States did not emerge until 1790. It all began when America refused to help France in the war against Great Britain and in its own revolution. Tensions were exacerbated by the Jay Treaty of 1774 between the United States and Great Britain. This treaty guaranteed American neutrality between Great Britain and France. (Gilje) France responded by interfering with trade and seizing merchant ships. To calm tensions, President John Adams sent Charles C. Pinckney as minister to France. He arrived in December 1796, but was refused. John Adams still wanted to avoid war, so he sent a three-man commission in May 1797. This commission consisted of Pinckney, John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry. Once again the French Directory refused to receive the diplomats. (Kohn) At this point, a peace treaty between America and France seemed doubtful. Later, on October 18, 1797, three emissaries of the French Foreign Minister, Talleyrand, went to visit the Americans. (Kohn) The three emissaries were known... halfway through the paper... they never did not succumb to the unfair terms. They could have gone to war, putting even more stress on such a young nation. The presidents of these periods, Adams and Kennedy, both made crucial decisions when their country was at stake. Events like this demonstrate the importance of our leaders and the choices they make. If Americans took different actions, the world would not be as it is today. Works cited Stinchcombe, W. "XYZ Affair." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition (2013): 1. Premier academic research. Network. December 4, 2013.Kohn, George Childs. “XYZ Deal.” The new encyclopedia of American scandal. New York: Facts on File, 2001. Web.Gilje, Paul A. “XYZ Affair.” Encyclopedia of American History: Revolution and New Nation, 1761 to 1812, Revised Edition (Volume III). New York: Facts on File, 2010. American History Online. Network. 8 December. 2013.