The Albany Congress
Colonists convened at the Albany Congress of 1754 to discuss how to help the British improve their relationship with the Iroquois Confederation. More importantly, delegates also discussed joint efforts to enhance the safety of the colonies and other common interests, which led to the proposed Albany Plan, calling for a unified colonial government.
Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses how the plan could have impacted America’s fight for independence, and why it still matters today.
Images courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Library of Congress, National Portrait Gallery, Wikipedia.
Benjamin Franklin retired from an active role in his printing business in 1748 at the age of 42. His work had made him a wealthy man, and he decided to devote the remainder of his life to civic improvements and governmental affairs. Franklin became a member of the Philadelphia City Council that same year, beginning a period of more than four decades of involvement in American politics and statecraft.