The Albany Plan of Union of 1754 was unique for all of the following reasons EXCEPT

The Albany Plan of Union was proposed by Benjamin Franklin and called for the formation of a permanent federation of the American colonies.

Summary of the Albany Plan of Union

The Albany Plan of Union was a proposal written by Benjamin Franklin and introduced during the Albany Congress, which was held in Albany, New York in 1754. Prior to the Albany Congress, Franklin wrote down his ideas for a union of the colonies, which he called “Short Hints.” He provided a copy to Congress but soon found out that union was not only on his mind but also the mind of others. He recalled years later that “It then appear’d that several of the Commissioners had form’d Plans of the same kind.”

The Albany Plan of Union of 1754 was unique for all of the following reasons EXCEPT

Benjamin Franklin printed this political cartoon in his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It called for the colonies to unite together in defense after French forces pushed Virginia militia out of the Ohio Country. Image Source: Library of Congress.

Purpose of the Albany Congress

The purpose of the Albany Congress was to have colonial leaders meet with representatives from the Six Nations to discuss how the colonies could work with them against the French. However, the idea of some type of organized union had taken hold with Franklin.

The purpose of the Albany Plan of Union was to create an organized partnership between the colonies, for threats or needs that impacted all of the colonies.

Key Points of the Albany Plan of Union

Franklin’s plan defined a permanent federation between the colonies, as a means to reform colonial-imperial relations and to more effectively address shared colonial interests, including making treaties, raising military forces, and levying taxes. The plan, as proposed by Franklin, proposed:

  • A President General, appointed by the Crown.
  • A Grand Council, consisting of delegates from the lower houses of the colonial assemblies.
  • Each colony would have between two to seven delegates, based on the size of the colony.
  • Each colony would have one vote, regardless of the number of delegates it sent.

Outcome of the Albany Plan of Union

The Albany Plan of Union was Approved by the Albany Congress

Franklin presented the plan to Congress on June 19. After debate and revisions, Congress unanimously adopted a final version on July 10.

The Albany Plan of Union was Rejected by the Colonies and Britain

Despite the support of those who attended the Albany Congress, the Albany Plan of Union was rejected by the Board of Trade and the individual colonial governments that considered its adoption.

Reasons for Rejecting the Plan

According to Franklin, the main reason the Albany Plan of Union was rejected was that “The colonial assemblies and most of the people were narrowly provincial in outlook, mutually jealous, and suspicious of any central taxing authority.”

Significance of the Albany Plan of Union

Franklin’s Albany Plan of Union is important because it marked the first official attempt to develop a confederation between the American colonies.

Effect on Galloway’s Plan of Union

The Albany Plan of Union also served as a model for the Galloway Plan of Union, which was proposed by Joseph Galloway during the First Continental Congress.

Albany Plan of Union — Quick Facts

  1. The Albany Congress was a conference called by British officials for the purpose of improving relations between the American colonies and the Iroquois Confederation.
  2. The Albany Congress met from June 19, 1754, through July 11, in Albany, New York.
  3. Representatives of seven colonies attended the Congress — Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
  4. On June 19, Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union to form a permanent federation of the colonies as a means to reform colonial-imperial relations and more effectively address shared colonial interests.
  5. Commissioners to the Albany Congress approved the Albany Plan of Union on July 10, 1754.
  6. The Albany Plan of Union was rejected by King George II and by all of the individual colonial governments that considered its adoption.
  7. The Albany Plan of Union was a significant milestone in American history, as it marked the first official attempt to develop inter-colonial cooperation among the American colonies.

Albany Plan of Union — Videos

Albany Plan of Union: Reading Through History

Primary Sources

For more details on the Albany Plan of Union, see these primary source documents:

  • Short Hints Towards a Scheme for a General Union of the British Colonies on the Continent
  • Albany Plan of Union, Text

What was the Albany Plan of Union and why was it important?

The Albany Plan of Union was a plan that aimed to unify eleven of the thirteen American colonies, with the opportunity for more colonies to join in the future. The plan failed because it was rejected by the British and American colonies.

Why did Franklin's Albany Plan of Union not succeed?

While the convention delegates unanimously approved the Albany Plan, the legislatures of all seven colonies rejected it because it would have taken away some of their existing powers. Due to the colonial legislatures' rejection, the Albany Plan was never submitted to the British Crown for approval.

What was the Albany Plan of Union quizlet?

The Albany Plan of Union was a proposal developed by a committee led by Benjamin Franklin. The Plan of Union proposed that the colonies unite to form a federal government. Although the colonies rejected the plan, it showed that many colonial leaders had begun to think about joining together for their common defense.

What were the provisions of the Albany Plan of Union?

They proposed that colonial governors, along with some members of their respective councils, order the raising of troops and building of forts, to be funded by the Treasury of Great Britain. This amount would later have to be repaid, and Parliament imposed a tax on the colonies to pay for the defenses in North America.