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Colonists and Native AmericansVirginiaWWII planesCivil Rights Movement
A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History
The United States Constitution Back to History Unit

(a) explaining the origins of the Constitution, including the Articles of Confederation;


Albany Plan of Union
Yale University Law School: The Avalon Project

Join or Die Cartoon
Library of Congress

Description: The Albany Plan of Union was drafted by Benjamin Franklin in 1754. This plan called for each colonial legislature to elect delegates to a continental assembly that would be directed by a royal governor. This transcript and political cartoon demonstrate the early beginnings of the concept of united colonies.



Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestions
  • Have students create a T chart listing the pros and cons of uniting the colonies prior to the French and Indian War. Discuss differences in economics, religion, and politics that would have impeded unity.
  • Representatives from the Iroquois Nation were present at this meeting. Discuss why they were there and how the decisions made at this council would impact them.
  • The Albany Plan of Union was never adopted. Have students imagine what could have occurred in terms of taxation after the French and Indian War if the plan was enacted.
Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson
  • Distribute the political cartoon to the class and have them analyze it and come up with a timeframe or date of when it was first published. Discuss how the idea of unity was developed over time and influenced by a series of events, such as the French and Indian War, prior to the era of taxation without representation.
  • Have groups read the Albany Plan of Union and the Constitution. Highlight sections or ideas from the Albany Plan that are similar to the Constitution.

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