Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: U.S. Rescinds Treaties, Launches Quasi-War at Sea

7/7/2026

38 7

Summary

Story summary

Outraged by French demands in the 1797 XYZ Affair, President John Adams withdrew the 1778 treaty with France, triggering the 1798-1800 Quasi-War. The United States and the French Republic fought an undeclared naval conflict, primarily in the Caribbean and off the American East Coast, with occasional actions in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean.

1 of 1

Story summary

Outraged by French demands in the 1797 XYZ Affair, President John Adams withdrew the 1778 treaty with France, triggering the 1798-1800 Quasi-War. The United States and the French Republic fought an undeclared naval conflict, primarily in the Caribbean and off the American East Coast, with occasional actions in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean.