Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.  He was a man who played a number of different roles.  He was, at different times, a printer, a scientist, a diplomat, an inventor, and a writer.

Franklin is famous for a number of reasons.  Among them are:

• He is the author of Poor Richard's Almanack.  It is a compendium of, among other things, many aphorisms regarding Franklin's philosophy.  It gives his ideas about things like how to live a good and prosperous life.
• He was a scientist who did experiments with lightning and electricity.
• He was an inventor who invented a better stove for heating houses.
• He was a diplomat who was important in getting France to help the colonies in the Revolutionary War.

As these varied accomplishments show, Franklin was a man "of many parts."

Who was Benjamin Franklin, and what were his major accomplishments?

Benjamin Franklin was one of The United States' most important Founding Fathers, as well as one of the foremost early American inventors. Franklin helped inspire support for the American Revolution, and he helped govern the American colonies during their fight against Great Britain. Specifically, Franklin served as a member of the Second Continental Congress (the political body which governed the unified colonies throughout the Revolution and until the Articles of Confederation) and helped Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence (he also signed the Declaration). He also served as an American ambassador to France; he helped convince the French they should give the Americans support during the Revolution.

Franklin was also a gifted scientist and inventor. He is best known for his research into electricity (most famously his kite and key experiment), but he also invented a number of useful items, including: bifocals, swim fins, and the Franklin Stove.