Congress of Alexandria facts for kids
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The Congress of Alexandria was an important meeting held in 1755. It brought together Major-General Edward Braddock, who was the top commander of the British Army in North America, and the governors from five of the American colonies.
These governors were Robert Dinwiddie from Virginia, Horatio Sharpe from Maryland, Robert Hunter Morris from Pennsylvania, William Shirley from Massachusetts, and James DeLancey from New York.
The meeting happened on April 15, 1755. It took place at the Carlyle House in Alexandria, Virginia. This house belonged to a well-known person in the city, John Carlyle.
Contents
Why They Met: The French and Indian War
The main reason for the meeting was to prepare for a big war. This war would later be known as the French and Indian War. General Braddock wanted to get money from the colonies to help pay for the war.
Asking for War Funds
Braddock asked the governors to help raise money for the war effort. However, the governors said no to his request. They believed that the British government should provide the money first.
Planning the Attack
Even though they disagreed on funding, the leaders did agree on a plan for the war. They decided to launch a four-part attack against New France, which was the French territory in North America. This meant they would attack from four different directions.
Key Decisions and People
Another important person at the meeting was Sir William Johnson from New York. He was given a special job.
Superintendent of Indian Affairs
Sir William Johnson was made the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. He was also given the rank of major-general. His main task was to meet with the Iroquois Confederacy. The goal was to convince them to stay neutral and not pick a side in the war.
Why This Meeting Was Important
The Congress of Alexandria is seen as a very important event in American history. It was one of the first times that leaders from different colonies talked to each other about common problems.
Early Talks Between Colonies
This meeting helped start conversations between the colonies. It showed them that they could work together on big issues.
Tension Over Taxes
The meeting also highlighted a growing problem between the colonies and Britain. This was about who had the right to tax the colonists. Ten years before the famous Stamp Act of 1765, Braddock wrote about the need for a tax on all British lands in America. He believed this tax would help pay for the war and benefit the colonies.
Remembering the Congress Today
The Congress of Alexandria is still remembered today. Every year, the meeting is reenacted at the Carlyle House. This helps people learn about this important moment in history.
