The politically and economically effective XYZ Affair took place during 1797 and 1798 during John Adams’ presidency, critical in the commencing of an unofficial naval war between America and France. After America and England instituted Jay’s Treaty to pay off the massive pre-revolutionary debts gained by the Southern Americas, aiding in the survival of their tough economy and America would favor trade with Britain over other foreign countries. By instituting the Treaty, the Americans angered the French who severed a peaceful relationship, because Jay’s Treaty was a violation of the 1778 Franco-American Treaty. Thus, while the countries were at opposite sides of a game of ‘Tug-a-War’ they were hurting the economies of France and America due
