Benjamin Franklin

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Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in influencing the political, social, and intellectual landscape of eighteenth-century America. As his life concluded, he emerged as a quintessential symbol of the nation, both domestically and internationally, and continues to be celebrated as an iconic folk hero. His multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on American history.

Early Life

Benjamin Franklin's ancestry traced back to an English lineage, with one of his forebears owning land just a short distance from the Washington family estate. His father, Josiah, a tradesman who rejected the Church of England, relocated to Boston in the 1680s, while his mother's family had settled there earlier. Born on January 17, 1706, Franklin was the tenth child in a bustling family, a lineage that saw him as the youngest son in an unbroken line of youngest sons over five generations. His life's notable aspects were remarkable from the outset.

Despite his father's modest means as a candle maker and soap boiler, Franklin grew up in an environment rich with intellectual pursuits. By twelve, he had already absorbed the Bible, John Bunyan's works, Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, and essays by Daniel Defoe and Cotton Mather. With limited formal education and no funds for Harvard College, Franklin was steered toward the family trade, which did not suit him.

An opportunity arose when his older brother James returned from London as a trained printer. At twelve, Franklin was apprenticed to James, who launched The New England Courant in 1721, the colonies' fourth newspaper. It was during these formative years that Franklin honed his craft, engaging with literature and debates, and writing anonymously for the paper. He temporarily took over as editor during James' imprisonment, a testament to his burgeoning skills and resolve.

However, tensions with James prompted Franklin to seek a new start. He fled to Philadelphia in 1723, arriving with little more than a large roll, a Dutch dollar, and a copper shilling. This event is humorously recounted in his memoirs, highlighting how his future wife laughed at his appearance. Quickly finding work thanks to his printing skills, Franklin soon embarked on a venture to England, encouraged by Governor William Keith, who promised letters of credit for a new business—a promise that never materialized.

Stranded in London by Christmas 1724, Franklin found employment in a print shop, engaging in intense reading and intellectual debate. His critique of a religious text led to the publication of his own pamphlet, marking his first foray into public discourse. Though he viewed this as a youthful error, it expanded his network, introducing him to prominent writers.

By 1726, Franklin returned to Philadelphia, rejoining his former workplace before establishing his own business with a partner. Through relentless work and strategic planning, Franklin eventually bought out his partner by 1730, becoming the sole owner of a flourishing enterprise that included the Pennsylvania Gazette. That year, he married Deborah Read, forming a partnership that, while not intellectually stimulating, was supportive and loving, establishing Franklin as a respectable Philadelphia citizen at twenty-four.

Life’s Work

Franklin's entrepreneurial success laid the groundwork for his enduring fame. Both he and Deborah committed to hard work and prudent living, successfully launching new ventures, including a stationery shop, and importing books. Franklin's Poor Richard’s Almanack, begun in 1732, became a bestseller, endearing him to readers with its wit and wisdom, mirroring Franklin's own values of thrift and diligence.

Political acumen furthered Franklin's business endeavors. He secured printing contracts with the provincial government, became clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1736, and was appointed postmaster for Philadelphia, enhancing his newspaper's timeliness. Later, as deputy postmaster general...

(This entire section contains 1306 words.)

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for the colonies, Franklin improved the system's efficiency and profitability, underscoring his influence in public affairs.

Franklin's commitment to civic improvement was evident through the initiatives he spearheaded. In 1727, he founded the "Junto," a discussion group that incubated ideas for public projects, often featured in his newspaper. Among his achievements were establishing a library, a fire company, a hospital, and an academy that evolved into the University of Pennsylvania, reflecting his vision for a better community.

Curiosity about the natural world positioned Franklin at the forefront of scientific exploration. His transatlantic voyages led to observations that resulted in the mapping of the Gulf Stream. A believer in practical knowledge, his studies led to inventions like the Franklin stove and bifocals, though his most significant contribution was in electricity. The 1752 kite experiment solidified his international reputation, and his invention of the lightning rod demonstrated his commitment to applying scientific discovery.

Franklin retired from business in 1748, intending to focus on science, but public affairs demanded his attention. His strategic vision was evident at the Albany Congress in 1754, where he proposed a plan for inter-Colonial union—an idea ultimately rejected but indicative of his foresight. He served as a diplomatic envoy to London, navigating the complexities of Colonial grievances with the British government. His efforts, however, failed to prevent the escalation that led to revolution.

Returning to America in 1775 amidst revolutionary fervor, Franklin joined the Continental Congress, contributing significantly to the fight for independence. His diplomatic prowess was critical in securing French support, a key factor in America's triumph. As the sole American ambassador in France, he fostered vital alliances, ensuring France's military and financial assistance during the war.

Later Years and Legacy

Upon his return to Philadelphia in 1785, Franklin, despite his age, continued to serve public interests as president of the executive council of Pennsylvania and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. His advocacy for abolition marked his final public stance before his death on April 17, 1790.

Franklin's multifaceted life leaves a legacy of a self-made man, whose journey from humble beginnings to national prominence exemplifies the American dream. In his Autobiography and through Poor Richard’s Almanack, he championed virtues of hard work and knowledge, shaping America's cultural ethos. His impact on science, politics, and civic life underscores his enduring influence as a key figure in American history.

Bibliography

Aldridge, Alfred Owen. Benjamin Franklin: Philosopher and Man. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1965. An insightful exploration of Franklin's personal qualities alongside his accomplishments, offering a balanced, authoritative perspective without sensationalism.

Cohen, I. Bernard. Benjamin Franklin’s Science. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1990.

Cohen, I. Bernard. Franklin and Newton. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1966. This work situates Franklin within the scientific paradigms of his time, highlighting his contributions and human attributes that shaped his scientific endeavors.

Conner, Paul W. Poor Richard’s Politics: Benjamin Franklin and His New American Order. New York: Oxford University Press, 1965. A detailed examination of Franklin's political philosophy, this book provides a well-rounded insight into his intellectual environment.

Crane, Verner W. Benjamin Franklin and a Rising People. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1954. A concise and reliable account that succinctly captures Franklin's philosophies and contributions.

Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Edited by Leonard W. Labaree et al. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1964. A classic piece that captures one dimension of Franklin's multifaceted identity, warranting multiple readings.

Granger, Bruce I. Benjamin Franklin: An American Man of Letters. Ithaca, N. Y.: Cornell University Press, 1964. This book delves into Franklin's literary output, arguing convincingly for his significance in American letters.

Jennings, Francis. Benjamin Franklin, Politician. New York: W. W. Norton, 1996.

Lopez, Claude-Anne. Mon Cher Papa. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1966. A charming narrative of Franklin's life in France, debunking myths and showcasing his diplomatic acumen.

Middlekauff, Robert. Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996.

Stourzh, Gerald. Benjamin Franklin and American Foreign Policy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1954. A scholarly analysis of Franklin's diplomatic thought and its evolution within the intellectual currents of his time.

Van Doren, Carl C. Benjamin Franklin. New York: Viking Press, 1938. A comprehensive biography that remains a definitive source on Franklin's life and work.

Wright, Esmond. Franklin of Philadelphia. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1986. Integrating recent discoveries, this biography portrays Franklin as a visionary among the Founding Fathers.

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