How did the xyz affair lead to a political crisis in the united states?

Since the three ministers of the United States, sent to France by John Adams, were contacted by three French agents, nicknamed X, Y and Z, who suggested they bribe with $ 250,000 to the foreign minister of France, and also give $ 10,000,000 to France as an '' advance '' for the future negotiations, this was cause of great indignation and anger on the part of the Americans when the plans of the French agents were discovered and exposed to the public opinion. Nearly a war between France and the United States took place, since even the naval forces of both countries were mobilized, but never reached a real confrontation.