Benjamin Franklin video

### Early Life & Humble Beginnings

• Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston in 1706, was the 10th son of a 10th son.
• His family was involved in the trade of candlemaking.
• Franklin's formal education was limited, ending with his apprenticeship.
• Despite limited education, he possessed a thirst for knowledge and sought it out relentlessly.
• Franklin used print shops as personal universities, bookshelves as treasure troves, and his brother's printing press as his proving ground.
• He saw words as weapons and sought to use them to shape arguments.
• Franklin fled Boston at a young age to pursue his ambitions, landing in Philadelphia.

Rise in Philadelphia

• Philadelphia was a vibrant city full of opportunity, where Franklin made his mark.
• He established a successful printing press and used his wit and insight to gain fame and fortune.
• Franklin's curiosity extended beyond printing. He sought to understand and harness the power of electricity, culminating in his famous kite experiment.
• His inventions included the lightning rod, which helped protect buildings from lightning strikes.
• He also founded a lending library to make knowledge accessible to all, and established a fire company to combat fires in the city.

Shaping Public Discourse

• Franklin's reputation as a skilled printer and inventor grew, becoming synonymous with ingenuity.
• He used his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, to shape public discourse and promote American sentiment.
• Franklin, through his writing and arguments, criticized British policies like the Stamp Act.
• In 1766, he testified before Parliament, contributing to the Act's repeal.

Revolutionary Champion

• As tensions between the colonies and Britain increased, Franklin became a vocal advocate for American independence.
• He served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
• Franklin's edits to the Declaration refined the iconic phrase, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal," giving it clarity and power.
• The signing of the Declaration in 1776, despite his personal reluctance, marked a commitment to independence.

### Diplomacy in France

• After the Declaration of Independence, Franklin traveled to France to secure French support for the American cause.
• He charmed French nobility and presented America as a beacon of Enlightenment ideals.
• He leveraged France's rivalry with Britain, emphasizing the potential gains of supporting America.
• News of the American victory at Saratoga in 1777 solidified French support, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Alliance in 1778.

### Contributions to the Constitution

• In 1787, Franklin participated in the Constitutional Convention as a voice of compromise and reason during heated debates.
• His influence led to the Great Compromise, which resolved conflicts between large and small states.
• He advocated for the system of checks and balances, vital for a functioning republic.

### Legacy

• Franklin's legacy extends beyond his political and diplomatic achievements.
• He is remembered for his scientific contributions, particularly his invention of the lightning rod and bifocal eyeglasses.
• Franklin believed in the societal importance of education and was instrumental in the founding of the University of Pennsylvania.
• Despite being a slave owner earlier in his life, he later became a leading voice in the abolition movement, demonstrating his capacity for growth and evolution.

Embodiment of Progress

• Franklin's tireless curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and belief in self-improvement shaped not only his life but also the ideals of America.
• He advocated for a government of the people, by the people, and championed the importance of compromise and consensus.
• His enduring influence can be seen in American institutions like libraries, newspapers, and the balanced system of government.

Influence On Today

• Franklin's legacy continues to resonate today through his embodiment of the relentless pursuit of progress, the power of education, and the ability of individuals to positively influence their world.