Albany Plan

Definition

The Albany Plan was a proposal introduced by Benjamin Franklin during the Albany Congress. It aimed to unite the 13 colonies under one central government for mutual defense and other common purposes.

Analogy

The Albany Plan is like a proposed new school policy that aims to unify all student clubs under one governing body for better coordination and resource sharing.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation: This was America's first constitution, which created a weak central government. The Albany Plan can be seen as an early attempt at creating such a federation.

Colonial assemblies: These were local governing bodies in the colonies. Under the Albany Plan, they would have retained significant powers.

British Crown: The British monarchy, which ruled over the American colonies before independence. The Albany Plan was designed to strengthen colonial defenses against threats from French and Native American forces while maintaining allegiance to the Crown.