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.
- 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.