The result of Benjamin Franklin's attempt to create inter colonial unity at the Albany Congress was?

A: a permanent cooperative of the colonies

B: rejection of the congress's proposal for colonial home rule by London and by the individual colonies.

C: a sharp increase in Indian attacks on colonial settlements.

D: a growing colonial sympathy with France in the war againist Britain.The result of Benjamin Franklin's attempt to create inter colonial unity at the Albany Congress was?B: rejection of the congress's proposal for colonial home rule by London and by the individual colonies.









Albany Congress









The Albany Congress



In 1754, twenty-one delegates from seven of Britain's North America colonies including: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island met with Iroquois Indians daily from June 19 to July 11. Other native groups including the Mohawks were also in the meeting. (Bielinski, par 2) The convention was one of the first large meetings in which colonists of different cultures and backgrounds met together to discuss diplomacy regarding defense in reaction to the French's advance and creating an alliance among the colonies. England itself proposed the meeting to organize a defensive strategy against the French, but later would oppose the colonial pact realizing that it would create a power that they would not be able to control. (Constitution, par 2-3) Unfortunately for the British it was too late, a connection had already been established between the colonists.



In Albany colonists were known for their close minded attitude toward others, but eventually this changed. (Bielinski, par 4) After the conference, the colonists of Albany found similarities that they shared with the other colonists as well as similar goals among them. The idea was to put into effect the "plan of union" written by Benjamin Franklin. This plan would allow each colony a delegate to represent them in a continental congress moderated by a royal governor. In the "plan of union" by Franklin, 25 points are outlined of which the colonies must adhere to. Similarly to the House of Representatives in the United States today, this new continental group would be organized proportionally based on the population of each colony. The provisions describe how the congress would be run, including who will elect the speaker, how often they will meet and who makes laws regarding Indian trade. (Constitution) Unfortunately the heterogenous group was not ready to make amends and the provisions were rejected. (Faragher 133) The provisions themselves are not as significant as is the idea of a continental group meeting together every year to discuss critical issues. However, provisions like the proportional representation foreshadows what will come in the future leading up to the revolution and declaration of independence.



Many of the characteristics of the Albany Congress of 1754 are reminiscent to that of the first continental congress that would meet years later. For the first time ever the colonists were meeting together and, settling their differences, decided to create a permanent organization which would handle any further issues regarding the colonies. The royal crown made a profound mistake when they created this organization because now the colonies had a common forum for which they could discuss their grievances. Although it was dismantled by the English, this conference served as a template for the colonists of America to unite and to establish common goals for the betterment of all citizens of colonial America. These ideas made a lasting impression among the colonists involved and eventually the United States of America was formed under one system of government.

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