D) Declaring that we were a neutral country that would not get involved in other countries' issues. Before and During the Napoleonic Wars, both France and Britain wanted the US to join their side and fight the other. However, the US chose to stay out of it, so both the French Navy and British Navy began capturing American sailors, called impressment, to fight in their navy, claiming that they were deserters. They also raided and stole ships and cargo from the American Navy vessels and merchant vessels. This started what is known as the XYZ Affair, which was a phony war against France, and the War of 1812 against Britain.
