Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Albany Congress

ALBANY CONGRESS, an assembly of representatives of the most important British North American colonies, which was called together in 1754 by the British Government to consult in regard to the threatening French war. Two plans were proposed: First, a league with the Indians, which was carried out, and, second, a proposal offered by Franklin for a political union. In this a common president was proposed and a great council, representing the different colonies. This plan was rejected by the British crown because it gave too much power to the colonies, and by the colonies because it gave too much power to the crown. The significance of this congress lies in the fact that it stimulated the union of the colonies which was afterward accomplished.