Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. According to Panesar (2004), Franklin was the most famous people across the world during his lifetime. Franklin was a literary author who happened to be involved in politics, having a special place in the hearts and minds of many Americans. Studies have shown that Franklin was a leading figure in the American Revolution, where, he served in the Second Continental Congress as well as, a diplomat to France (Lemay, 2006). He helped in securing French support for the American Cause, an indispensable contribution during the Revolutionary War (Wood 2004), Today, Franklin remain one of the relatively figures in the world history who could be called, a diplomat, a politician, an inventor, a scientist and many others. During his life, Franklin influenced many areas of American life, for instance, his influence in France during his lifetime as the ambassador did not only change the America, but changed the world at large. In addition, he had of course a significant role in shaping the independent United States as one of the Founding Fathers; this role embedded him in the national consciousness (Panesar, 2004),
How Benjamin Franklin was important and shaped the course of the U.S.A.
Franklin, the elder statesman of the Constitutional Convention pioneered the spirit of self-help in America. He actually had more to do with founding the American republic than anyone else. For instance, as an American representative, he managed to go to France and secured the military help and formal alliance, without which America would not have won the Revolutionary War. He also crafted a compromise which helped in preventing the collapse of the Constitutional Convention, and indeed he was one who moved that the Constitution be adopted. According to Wood (2004), Franklin shaped the course of the United States of America in five major ways that is; through becoming a gentleman, British imperialist, a patriot, a diplomat and an American.
During the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he told people to be gentlemen since he knew that he was a gentleman; he said "Gentlemen, we must all hang together or else you shall all hang separately." In this case, Franklin knew that the men to sign the Declaration of Independence would be considered as traitors by the British, therefore, they were needed to work together, or else they would be hung. Despite all his gentlemanly activities, Franklin's philanthropic ventures as well as, his practical projects for self-education in the art of virtue, he still saw himself as a businessman and not a gentleman in these early Philadelphia years. Conversely, if Franklin was not a gentleman, he would have not been a commoner either.
(b) Through becoming a British Imperialist
Becoming a gentleman changed Franklin's life. Franklin never became the most eloquent spokesman for the American rights, however he seems to have outshone many native English people in his praise for Great Britain, as a result, people referred him as "a thoroughgoing imperialist and royalist" (Waldstreicher, 2011). In addition, Franklin was aware of the British system's faults. For instance, he had seen corruption at various levels of government, he also complained about the transportation of convicts to America, where he noted that ignorance of American affairs was common in Great Britain. In 1970s, Franklin became livid at…
Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the most important men in American history. Among his many contributions to the world were inventions such as the Franklin stove, the bifocal, and the harnessing of electricity. He is also renowned for his writings, including contributions to the United States' Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. One of his most enduring works has been his multi-volume autobiography wherein he highlights some of the
Franklin, instead, was able to see the advantages in unfortunate situations, and to use them to his own benefit. He was able to admit that he was a marginal poet and go on to do other things rather than feel injured or insecure. Again, I feel that having been educated and a talented reader/writer was responsible for much of Franklin's genius, but the ability to be grateful for hardship, to
He also pointed out, when speaking France, Spain and the Netherlands, that if the Colonies won their freedom, those country's colonies in the New World would be much safer from English intrusions (Isaacson, PAGE). However, he always acted like a statesman and never lost sight of the ideals of the rebel colonists, also encouraging other countries to aid the revolution because of its high ideals of liberty and democracy. Franklin's
Benjamin Franklin - the Ideal American Benjamin Franklin is considered by many to be one of the greatest Americans to ever live, and is also held as an important pillar of America's national heritage. Some may also argue that he exemplifies the American dream and all that is truly American. As the son of a candlemaker and only receiving a minimal amount of formal education, Benjamin Franklin was unlimited by his
Benjamin Franklin is most often regarded for his role as a founding father. Franklin drafted and then later signed the Declaration of Independence. While this may have been Franklin's most important act, there are many others he should be remembered for. Franklin was an influential man and responsible for many changes in society, changes that formed the basis for the society we have today, such as starting the first public
Benjamin Franklin is one of the most widely known and respected American historical figures. He is most recognized for his presence at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and his role as an inventor, printer, and publisher. However, fewer people realize his significant contributions in creating and shaping American institutions such as libraries, hospitals, insurance companies and fire departments, just to name a few of Franklin's civic achievements. In the
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