Before beginning, define the word: bribe
Step 1 - Dilemma Description: The year is 1797 and President Adams' cabinet is facing a crisis with France. France felt that America's signing of Jay's Treaty with Britain in 1794 was an attempt to help the British in its war against them. In response, France has decided to take a page out of Britain's game plan and is starting to impress American cargo ships that are trading with the British.
Wanting to avoid war with France, President Adams has sent over a group of ambassadors, led by Charles Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry and John Marshall to France to negotiate peace. However the French foreign minister, Charles de Talleyrand, is refusing to meet with these American negotiators and instead has sent over three French agents who are demanding bribes and a large loan for France.
Wanting to avoid war with France, President Adams has sent over a group of ambassadors, led by Charles Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry and John Marshall to France to negotiate peace. However the French foreign minister, Charles de Talleyrand, is refusing to meet with these American negotiators and instead has sent over three French agents who are demanding bribes and a large loan for France.
Step 2 - Directions: As a "cabinet" decide which option fits best by choosing one of the following letters. Then write down the option on your guided notes and explain why it is the best choice in 30 words or more.
Step 3 - Watch the video to find out what really happened.
Step 4 - Use the video and Lesson 12 section 4
- How did the American negotiators respond to the demands of Mr. Talleyrand's agents? (video)
- Why was this event called the "XYZ Affair"? (video)
- Political Cartoon Analysis: Looking at the political cartoon at the bottom of this page titled, "Civic Feast," answer the following: Who are the 3 gentlemen on the left? Which country is represented by the multi-headed monster? What do you think their interaction is about? Describe the scene going on behind these people. What message is the author sending to the reader? How is the author sending this message? Give details from the cartoon in your response.
- Describe what President Adams did to protect U.S. ships in the Atlantic. Then explain whether you think he pursued the best foreign policy option. (section 4)