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Benjamin Franklin - Founding Father of a Nation Documentary

The People Profiles・42 minutes read

Benjamin Franklin, a key founding father and inventor, played pivotal roles in science, technology, diplomacy, and the American Revolution, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped American history. He advocated for independence, secured French support, and contributed to key activities during the Revolutionary War, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in shaping the nation's future.

Insights

  • Benjamin Franklin was a multifaceted individual who excelled in various fields, from printing and science to diplomacy and civic initiatives, showcasing a remarkable breadth of talents and interests that contributed significantly to American society.
  • Throughout his life, Benjamin Franklin embodied a commitment to self-improvement, civic duty, and scientific exploration, as evidenced by his pursuit of thirteen virtues for prosperity, his civic-minded endeavors like establishing the first subscription library and volunteer fire force, and his groundbreaking scientific experiments with electricity, highlighting a holistic approach to personal growth and societal progress.

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  • Who was Benjamin Franklin?

    A prominent American founding father and inventor.

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Summary

00:00

Early Life and Rise of Benjamin Franklin

  • Doctor Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Josiah Franklin and Anne Child.
  • Josiah Franklin, a tallow chandler, moved to Boston from England in 1683 with his first wife, Anne, who passed away in 1689. He then married Abiah Folger in 1689.
  • Benjamin Franklin, the youngest of Josiah and Abiah's children, displayed early signs of intelligence and leadership among his peers.
  • Benjamin was educated at home and later attended Boston Latin School, excelling in his studies but leaving due to not being suited for the clergy.
  • At age 12, Benjamin began an apprenticeship with his brother James, a printer, where he discovered his passion for the trade.
  • Benjamin's writing skills flourished as he wrote essays under the pseudonym Silence Dogood, gaining recognition for his talent.
  • Benjamin's relationship with James soured due to Benjamin's talent and independence, leading him to run away to Philadelphia at age 17.
  • In Philadelphia, Benjamin found work with printer Samuel Keimer and made a strong impression on important figures like Governor Keith.
  • Governor Keith promised to support Benjamin's printing shop but failed to provide the necessary resources, leading Benjamin to sail to London in 1724.
  • In London, Benjamin faced challenges but found stability in a printing job, solidifying his beliefs in science, nature, and the importance of good conduct.

15:16

Benjamin Franklin: Virtues, Achievements, and Contributions

  • Benjamin Franklin believed in thirteen virtues for true prosperity, including temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility.
  • He tracked his daily progress with a little book, focusing on improving where he slipped and adding humility as a virtue later on.
  • Benjamin faced challenges in his career, such as Denham's sudden death leaving him without a shop and working for Keimer as a manager.
  • He succeeded in creating the first foundry in America for casting printer type molds and was chosen to create new paper money by the New Jersey Assembly.
  • Benjamin established his own printing house with Hugh Meredith, initiated civic-minded efforts like the Leather Apron Club (Junto), and founded the first subscription library, volunteer fire force, and the Academy of Philadelphia.
  • He wrote under pseudonyms like Martha Careful and Celia Shortface, published the Pennsylvania Gazette, and defended free speech in the press with the "Apology for Printers."
  • Benjamin's personal life involved a common law marriage with Deborah Read, an illegitimate child named William Franklin, and two children with Deborah, Sarah, and Francis.
  • He believed in serving his fellow man and honoring God through civic pursuits and his media empire, including the annual almanack Poor Richard's Almanack.
  • Benjamin held key government posts, serving as the Pennsylvania Assembly's clerk and Philadelphia's postmaster, and proposed the American Philosophical Society.
  • He made significant contributions to science by experimenting with electricity, discovering the Leyden jar, and proving that lightning was a form of electricity, leading to the invention of the lightning rod.

32:00

Benjamin Franklin: Scientist, Diplomat, Founding Father

  • Benjamin was the first person outside Britain to receive the gold Copley Medal in 1753 and was awarded honorary degrees by Harvard and Yale Universities.
  • He made significant contributions to science and technology, inventing the Franklin Stove in 1741, a flexible medical catheter in 1752, the Armonica in 1762, and bifocal eyeglasses in 1785.
  • Benjamin discovered the Gulf Stream during his voyages and was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751, where he passed bills for street paving, streetlamp installation, and streetlamp covers to vent smoke.
  • In 1753, he became joint postmaster for all American colonies and was involved in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Native Americans and settlers.
  • Benjamin proposed the Albany Plan of Union in 1754, advocating for a colonial congress and a President General appointed by the King of England, symbolized by a snake cut into eight pieces with the caption "Join or Die."
  • He traveled to London in 1757 as an agent for the Pennsylvania Assembly, aiming to secure taxation of colonial properties and British assistance.
  • Benjamin traveled extensively, receiving honorary degrees, meeting intellectuals, and advocating for British control over Canada in his pamphlet "The Interest of Great Britain Considered with Regard to Her Colonies."
  • He faced challenges with the Penn family, the Paxton Boys' attacks on Native Americans, and the Stamp Act of 1765, which led to growing tensions between the American colonies and Britain.
  • Benjamin successfully advocated for the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766 but faced opposition with the Townshend Act in 1767, leading to further unrest in the colonies.
  • He wrote satirical pieces in 1773 to defuse tensions, including "Rules by Which a Great Empire May be Reduced to a Small One" and "An Edict by the King of Prussia," but the Boston Tea Party in 1773 escalated conflicts.

47:26

Benjamin Franklin's Revolutionary Role and Struggles

  • Benjamin Franklin's letters revealed British government oppression of colonists, leading to his removal as postmaster.
  • Secret talks with influential figures like William Pitt the Elder and Richard and William Howe showed sympathy but no policy change.
  • Deborah, Benjamin's wife, passed away amidst political turmoil.
  • The Revolutionary War began on April 18, 1775, with the Battle of Lexington.
  • Benjamin arrived back in America during the Second Continental Congress, joining as a delegate.
  • He convinced his son William to support American independence, despite their differing views.
  • Congress pushed for independence, drafting a declaration with Benjamin's input.
  • Benjamin focused on various congressional activities in 1775, from gunpowder production to military discipline.
  • Benjamin played a crucial role in securing French support during the war, despite internal delegation conflicts.
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