How did President Adams respond to the growing demand for war during the XYZ Affair?

President John Adams chose to respond to the growing demand for war during the XYZ Affair by maintaining that the United States was still too weak for war. This decision reflected his understanding of the nation’s precarious situation. Despite public outcry for military action against France following the diplomatic incident involving French officials demanding bribes from American envoys, Adams prioritized the long-term stability and security of the U.S. He recognized that engaging in a war could have catastrophic consequences for a relatively young and financially unstable country. Although many in the public and government were eager for war, Adams focused on diplomacy and preserving peace, ultimately leading to further negotiations rather than escalation to armed conflict. This approach illustrates his desire to avoid a conflict that might jeopardize the nascent nation's interests.