Alien and Sedition Acts
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: North American Series
- Categories: Government and Politics, Diplomacy, International Relations, Foreign Affairs
- Subcategories: Laws, Acts, Legislation, Treaties, Agreements, Negotiations
- Curriculum: 18th Century European History, French History, American Early National History (1789-1815)
- Geographical Location: Pennsylvania
- Date: June 25-July 14, 1798
Article abstract: In the wake of the XYZ affair, Federalists exploit xenophobia to suppress dissent.
Summary of Event
News of the XYZ affair descended upon the American people and their representatives in Congress like a thunderbolt. It galvanized the government into action on the high seas; it helped unite Americans against the French, just as the initial news of British seizures had united them against Great Britain; it seriously weakened the infant Republican Party, which was associated with Francophilism; and it firmly entrenched the Federalists in...
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