Benjamin Franklin video

Study Notes

### 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.

Description

Explore the formative years of Benjamin Franklin, from his humble beginnings in Boston to his rise in Philadelphia. This quiz delves into his thirst for knowledge, innovative spirit, and contributions to society. Test your understanding of his life and achievements.