The XYZ Affair

Twenty years after the Declaration of Independence, writes Louis C. Kleber, the Americans, now at peace with Britain, were involved in tortuous negotiations with the Directory of the French Republic.

A British political cartoon depicting the affairFranco-American relations were most harmonious in the autumn of 1781 when Lord Cornwallis and his British army surrendered to American and French forces at Yorktown, Virginia. The French had made a great contribution to the victory, both on land and sea.

To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive.

Buy Online Access  Buy Print & Archive Subscription

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.