The Quasi-War decision that saved the nation

Like David to Goliath, President John Adams responded to French naval aggression by boldly stating, "America is not scared." During the Quasi-War with France, Adams fortified the nation's scant defenses and ordered a muscular retaliation against French hostilities. But Adams also persisted in sending envoys to negotiate peace, which historian David McCullough called the bravest act of his career. With the remarkable foresight of his carrot-and-stick approach, Adams averted a full-scale war that

Like David to Goliath, President John Adams responded to French naval aggression by boldly stating, "America is not scared." During the Quasi-War with France, Adams fortified the nation's scant defenses and ordered a muscular retaliation against French hostilities. But Adams also persisted in sending envoys to negotiate peace, which historian David McCullough called the bravest act of his career. With the remarkable foresight of his carrot-and-stick approach, Adams averted a full-scale war that…