Niagara Falls peace conference facts for kids
The Niagara Falls peace conference was an important meeting held in 1914. It is also known as the ABC Conference. This meeting brought together representatives from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. These three countries were called the ABC Powers.
They met in Niagara Falls, Canada, starting on May 20, 1914. The main goal was to prevent a war between the United States and Mexico. This was during a time of big changes in Mexico called the Mexican Revolution.
Contents
Why the Conference Happened
In 1914, there was a lot of tension between the United States and Mexico. Two main events made things worse. One was the Tampico Affair on April 9, 1914. The other was when the United States took control of Veracruz on April 21, 1914.
Because of these events, the governments of Mexico and the U.S. stopped talking to each other. They had no way to solve their problems peacefully. That's when the ABC Powers stepped in to help. They offered to mediate, which means helping two sides talk and find a solution.
Who Attended the Meeting
Important people from several countries came to the conference. Each country sent its best diplomats and legal experts. These people worked hard to find a peaceful way forward.
Representatives from the ABC Powers
The three ABC Powers sent their top diplomats:
- Domício da Gama represented Brazil.
- Rómulo Sebastián Naón represented Argentina.
- Eduardo Suárez Mujica represented Chile.
Representatives from the United States
The United States sent two important officials:
- Frederick William Lehmann, who used to be a top lawyer for the U.S. government.
- Joseph Rucker Lamar, who was a judge on the highest court in the U.S., the Supreme Court of the United States.
Other Americans who attended included:
- Henry Percival Dodge
- Robert F. Rose from the United States Department of State
Celebrating Success
The conference was a success in helping the U.S. and Mexico talk. On May 27, 1914, everyone involved celebrated. The Duke of Connaught, who was the Governor General of Canada, hosted a special party. It was held at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto.
Special Recognition for Mediators
The three diplomats from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile were highly praised. They received a special thank you from the United States Congress. On March 4, 1915, they were given Congressional Gold Medals. These medals are one of the highest awards given by the U.S. Congress.
The award recognized their "generous services as mediators." It showed how much the U.S. appreciated their help. Their efforts promoted peace and order in the Americas.
Images for kids
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Romulo S. Naon of Argentina and Robert F. Rose at the ABC Conference
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Clifton Hotel, where part of the ABC Conference took place
