Attempts to Unite the American Colonies before the American Revolution

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Since the founding of the Thirteen Colonies, the colonists enjoyed a degree of autonomy and self sufficiency from the mother country, England. The colonies had colonial assemblies, which were more democratic than England’s and were independent governments. British mercantilist laws were not strictly enforced due to the policy commonly referred to as salutary neglect. However, as the British increasingly ignore the problems the colonies faced, the colonies began to look for a common government to lead them. This eventually led to three distinct efforts at intercolonial cooperation and union: The New England Confederation, Penn’s Plan of Union, and The Albany Plan of Union. Therefore, although there were unsuccessful attempts to unite the colonies, there was a strong desire for a common government. As early as 1643, there were attempts to form a colonial confederation. The New England Confederation, whose plan was to unite the Puritan colonies against attacks from Native Americans. Member colonies were motivated to join not only because of the fear of Indian attack, but also because...

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