What was the failed proposal to unify the American colonies during the French and Indian War called?

The Albany Plan of Union was a pivotal proposal during the French and Indian War aimed at creating a unified government for the American colonies. Drafted by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, it sought to bring the colonies together for mutual defense and to coordinate colonial efforts in dealing with the threat posed by France and its Native American allies. The plan suggested that a grand council, composed of representatives from each colony, would oversee matters such as defense and trade.

Although the Albany Plan was ultimately rejected by both the colonial assemblies and the British government, its importance lies in its early attempt to foster unity among the colonies, laying foundational ideas for later cooperation and governance that would eventually manifest in the American Revolution. Furthermore, it highlighted the growing awareness among the colonies of the need for collaboration in order to address external threats, setting a precedent for future efforts toward unification.

The other options—such as the Continental Congress, which occurred later as a response to British policies, and the Union Act or Colonial Alliance Plan, which are not historically recognized proposals—represent different timelines or concepts and do not pertain to the unification efforts during the French and Indian War. Thus, the Albany Plan of Union stands out as the correct answer to the question.