What was the significance of edward braddock?

Answer 1

There are several reasons Braddock was important. The fact that he lost the Battle of Monongahela is significant in that it propelled a young Virginian into a spotlight he would never leave: George Washington. It was Washington who took command after Braddock and his other officers were wounded or killed during this battle.

Braddock also may be noted for showing the colonists how to organize an army. Working with Governor's from up and down the East Coast as well as Benjamin Franklin, Braddock assembled a substantially supplied fighting force for his march to Fort Duquesne, his goal was actually to capture Fort Niagara.

Braddock set out with his troops from Fort Cumberland on May 29, 1755 using an Indian trail named for Delaware chief Nemacolin. While a a discern-able trail it was ill equipped for the five mile long army train that Braddock was forging through the wilderness. As such he essentially built a road to Pittsburgh. This same road, Braddocks Road, would be the beginnings of the National Road, the first federal highway project from the federal government.

Many forget that because of the debt incurred by the British during the French and Indian war they imposed taxes on the colonist to recoup some of their investment. Stamp tax, Tea Tax, etc. This engagement was very much a precursor to the American Revolution. Colonialist spent six years becoming better soldiers during this time.

For decades Braddock's defeat at Monongahela was attributed to an "ambush" and poor fighting strategy. History shows that the clash with the French was as much as a surprise to them as the British and colonists. It also appears the British were not so overwhelmed by the French and Indians fighting from the trees as it was the closeness of their surroundings. Perhaps had Braddock or Washington dispersed their troops in smaller units up into the trees and around behind the French the shear overwhelming number of soldiers would have been able to sustain the battle, drive the French back to Duquesne and give Braddock the quick victory he had promised. After Braddock's defeat and subsequent death three days later the British basically abandoned the western frontier for the time being to the French. Had Braddock won, moved on to Fort Niagara the US may well have included Canada today as well. But then...who knows?

Answer 2

In 1755, General Edward Braddock led British and colonial troops. In an attack against Fort Duquesne.