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

President Adams responded to the growing demand for war during the XYZ Affair by maintaining that the U.S. was still too weak for war. This stance underscores his commitment to avoiding conflict and demonstrates his belief in the need for diplomacy over military action. By recognizing the limitations of the U.S. military at the time, Adams emphasized a cautious approach, prioritizing national stability and the long-term interests of the nation.

The context of the XYZ Affair is important here; it involved an undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France, which inflamed public sentiments favoring a war. However, Adams' insistence on avoiding war highlighted his role as a statesman and his desire for peace. He sought to navigate the challenging diplomatic waters rather than escalate tensions, demonstrating his leadership in a turbulent period of American history. This approach ultimately allowed him to maintain peace, albeit amidst immense public pressure for war.