Which of the following was a result of the XYZ Affair?

The XYZ Affair was a significant diplomatic incident that took place between the United States and France in the late 1790s, which led to a quasi-war and had lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy and military organization. One of the most critical outcomes of this affair was the strengthening of the U.S. Navy.

In response to the diplomatic tensions and fears of French aggression, Congress authorized the establishment of a permanent navy and increased naval expenditures. This was a pivotal moment, as the U.S. sought to protect its shipping interests and assert its sovereignty on the high seas. The conflict surrounding the XYZ Affair highlighted the vulnerability of American maritime commerce and the need for a capable naval force, leading to the expansion and strengthening of the navy, which was essential for the nation in the following decades.

The other options – increased peace negotiations, a formal declaration of war, and the establishment of new tariff laws – do not encapsulate the primary response to the XYZ Affair as effectively as the focus on naval strength, which directly addressed the immediate threats posed by foreign powers.