2. Historical development: The Albany Plan and intercolonial cooperation

Historical developments and consequences

Franklin proposed a common colonial council for defense and Indigenous affairs at the Albany Congress. Colonial assemblies and British authorities rejected the plan.

The proposal exposed both the appeal and political difficulty of coordinating colonies under a common institution.

Original historical article · Authorities & decisions

Benjamin Franklin presented the Albany Plan of Union in 1754 during negotiations involving colonial delegates and the British government. The proposed grand council and crown-appointed president-general would coordinate defense and some Indigenous affairs.