We draw the curtain back on American politics towards the end of the 18th century. President John Adams is dealing with France attacking and seizing American commerce ships and the Federalists and Democratic-Republican parties are using the conflict to advance their political party. The controversy was a crucial phase for the U.S. and introduced the challenge of international diplomacy. We also briefly discuss the XYZ Affair and the passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.

We’ll end the episode with a short discussion about the decision to establish the Department of the Navy and the passing of the Marine Corps Act, which formally established and organized the United States Marine Corps.

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