What plan, proposed by Benjamin Franklin, aimed to unify the colonies for defense against the French?

The Albany Plan of Union, proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, sought to create a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies to provide a coordinated defense strategy against French colonial expansion during the French and Indian War. Franklin recognized that individual colonies were often too fragmented and lacked the resources to effectively defend themselves against external threats. His plan suggested a central council that would oversee military operations and manage relations with Native American tribes.

Although the Albany Plan was ultimately rejected by the colonial legislatures, it marked an important early step toward the idea of unity among the colonies, foreshadowing later movements aimed at collaboration and cooperation, especially in light of the growing sentiment towards independence from British rule. The significance of the plan lies not only in its immediate aim of defense but also in its lasting influence on discussions about colonial unity and governance that would resonate in the lead-up to the American Revolution.