Identify three foreign policy crises of the years 1790-1809, and explain why each was so controversial.

Here is a list of foreign policiy events which happened during the Washington, Adams, and Jefferson administrations.  I don't know if they were controversial.

Payment to the Babarbary pirates during the Washington Admiinistration.

Raising an Army and building a Navy because of the expected French invasion during the Adams Administration.

War with the Dey of Algiers during the Jefferson Administration.

The Embargo during the Jefferson Administration.

The Louisiana Purchase during the Jefferson Administration.