The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin: An American Icon

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath who was active as a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. He was also a leading figure in the American Enlightenment and the American Revolution.

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

by H. W. Brands

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3195 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	786 pages

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Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1706. He was the son of a candlemaker and soap maker. Franklin had little formal education, but he was a voracious reader and autodidact. He apprenticed as a printer and eventually became a successful publisher and printer in Philadelphia.

Franklin was a prolific writer. He wrote on a wide range of topics, including politics, science, economics, and religion. His writings were widely read and influential in both America and Europe. Franklin was also a gifted inventor. He invented the lightning rod, the bifocals, and the Franklin stove. He also made significant contributions to the field of electricity.

Franklin was a leading figure in the American Enlightenment. He was a member of the American Philosophical Society and the Royal Society of London. He also served as the first Postmaster General of the United States. Franklin was a strong advocate for education and founded the University of Pennsylvania.

Franklin was also a leading figure in the American Revolution. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and helped to draft the Declaration of Independence. Franklin also served as the American ambassador to France during the war. He played a key role in securing French support for the American cause.

Franklin died in Philadelphia in 1790. He is considered one of the most important figures in American history. He was a brilliant thinker, inventor, and diplomat. Franklin's legacy continues to inspire Americans today.

Franklin's Legacy

Franklin's legacy is immense. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in American history. His writings, inventions, and diplomatic achievements have had a profound impact on the world. Franklin's legacy continues to inspire Americans today.

• Franklin's writings are still widely read and influential today. His essays on politics, science, economics, and religion are considered classics of American literature.
• Franklin's inventions have had a major impact on the world. The lightning rod, the bifocals, and the Franklin stove are all still in use today.
• Franklin's diplomatic achievements were critical to the success of the American Revolution. He played a key role in securing French support for the American cause.

Franklin was a truly remarkable man. He was a brilliant thinker, inventor, and diplomat. His legacy continues to inspire Americans today.

Timeline of Benjamin Franklin's Life

• 1706: Born in Boston, Massachusetts
• 1723: Moves to Philadelphia
• 1729: Founds the Junto, a discussion group
• 1732: Publishes the first Poor Richard's Almanack
• 1743: Conducts his famous kite experiment
• 1752: Invents the lightning rod
• 1757: Elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly
• 1765: Represents Pennsylvania at the Stamp Act Congress
• 1774: Serves as a delegate to the First Continental Congress
• 1775: Appointed Postmaster General of the United States
• 1776: Helps to draft the Declaration of Independence
• 1778: Appointed American ambassador to France
• 1783: Signs the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War
• 1785: Returns to Philadelphia
• 1787: Helps to draft the Constitution of the United States
• 1790: Dies in Philadelphia

Additional Resources

• The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
• PBS American Experience: Benjamin Franklin
• History.com: Benjamin Franklin

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

by H. W. Brands

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3195 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	786 pages

FREE