Benjamin Franklin:Death,Fame, Family,Inventions, President,Facts
Benjamin Franklin stands as one of the most influential figures in American history. A true polymath, Franklin made significant contributions to science, politics, literature, and diplomacy. His life story is a testament to the power of curiosity, innovation, and perseverance. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the remarkable journey of Benjamin Franklin, from his humble beginnings to his lasting legacy as a Founding Father of the United States.
Early Life and Education Of Benjamin Franklin
Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin was the fifteenth of seventeen children. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a candlemaker who struggled to provide for his large family. Despite financial constraints, young Benjamin showed an early aptitude for learning and reading.
Franklin’s formal education ended at age 10 when he began working in his father’s shop. However, his thirst for knowledge never waned. He became an avid reader, borrowing books from friends and teaching himself various subjects. This self-directed learning would become a hallmark of Franklin’s approach to life and success.
Apprenticeship and Printing
At age 12, Franklin began an apprenticeship with his older brother James, who owned a printing shop. This experience laid the foundation for his future career in publishing. In 1723, at age 17, Franklin ran away to Philadelphia, where he found work as a printer.
Establishing His Own Business
By 1728, Franklin had saved enough money to start his own printing business. He published the Pennsylvania Gazette, which became one of the most successful newspapers in the colonies. In 1732, he began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanack, an annual publication filled with weather forecasts, household hints, puzzles, and witticisms. The almanac was a huge success, cementing Franklin’s reputation as a writer and publisher.
Political Career Of Benjamin Franklin
Franklin’s influence extended far beyond the printing press. He became increasingly involved in civic affairs and politics:
1736: Elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly
1753: Appointed deputy postmaster-general for the British colonies
1775: Elected to the Second Continental Congress
1776: Helped draft the Declaration of Independence
1778-1785: Served as Ambassador to France
Scientific Achievements of Benjamin Franklin
Franklin’s curiosity led him to make significant contributions to various scientific fields:
1.Electricity:
Franklin’s most famous scientific work involved electricity. His experiments with lightning rods and the invention of the lightning rod revolutionized our understanding of electricity and provided a means of protection against lightning strikes.
2.Oceanography :
Franklin made important observations about the Gulf Stream, mapping its course and studying its effects on navigation and climate.
3.Meteorology:
He conducted extensive studies on weather patterns and was among the first to suggest that storms move in a direction opposite to the prevailing winds.
4.Inventions
Franklin’s practical mind led to numerous inventions that improved daily life:
5.Bifocal glasses
The Franklin stove (an energy-efficient heating device)
The glass harmonica (a musical instrument)
Swim fins
The flexible urinary catheter
Literary Contributions Of Benjamin Franklin
Franklin was a prolific writer, with works spanning various genres:
1.Autobiography: His unfinished memoir is considered a classic of American
2.literature.Essays: He wrote on topics ranging from politics to morality.
3.Satires: Franklin used humor to address social and political issues.
Letters: His correspondence provides valuable insights into colonial life and politics.
Diplomatic Career of Benjamin Franklin
Franklin’s diplomatic skills were crucial during the American Revolution and the early years of the United States:
Albany Plan of Union (1754): Proposed a unified colonial government
Stamp Act Congress (1765): Represented Pennsylvania in protesting British taxation
Treaty of Paris (1783): Negotiated the peace treaty ending the Revolutionary War
Constitutional Convention (1787): Participated in drafting the U.S. Constitution.
Marriage and Family Background Of Benjamin Franklin
In 1730, Franklin entered into a common-law marriage with Deborah Read. They had two children together: Francis Folger Franklin, who died at age 4, and Sarah Franklin Bache. Franklin also had an illegitimate son, William Franklin, who later became the last colonial governor of New Jersey.
Friendships and Networks
Franklin cultivated a wide network of friends and acquaintances throughout his life. He was a member of various intellectual societies and maintained correspondence with leading thinkers of his time, both in America and Europe.
How Benjamin Franklin Died
Franklin’s health began to decline in his later years, particularly due to gout and a bladder stone. On April 17, 1790, at the age of 84, Benjamin Franklin passed away in Philadelphia. His funeral was attended by an estimated 20,000 people, a testament to his immense popularity and influence.
The cause of death was pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining around the lungs. In his final days, Franklin was bedridden but remained mentally sharp, continuing to dictate his thoughts and correspond with friends.
Legacy and Influence
Benjamin Franklin’s impact on American society and culture is immeasurable:
Founding Father: His role in shaping the United States government and constitution
Scientific advancements: Contributions to our understanding of electricity and other fields
Literary legacy: His writings continue to be studied and admired
Civic institutions: Founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, and the University of Pennsylvania
American values: His emphasis on self-improvement and civic virtue helped shape the American ethos
Franklin’s image and ideas remain prevalent in American culture. His face adorns the $100 bill, and his aphorisms from Poor Richard’s Almanack are still quoted today. Cities, counties, and institutions across the United States bear his name, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Benjamin Franklin
1. What were Benjamin Franklin’s most important inventions?
Benjamin Franklin’s most important inventions include the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove, and the glass harmonica. The lightning rod was particularly significant as it provided protection against lightning strikes and advanced our understanding of electricity.
His bifocal glasses, which combined two lens types in one frame, continue to be used today. The Franklin stove improved home heating efficiency, while the glass harmonica was a unique musical instrument that gained popularity in the 18th century.
2. How did Benjamin Franklin contribute to the American Revolution?
Benjamin Franklin played a crucial role in the American Revolution through various means. He served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and was one of the five men who drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Franklin’s diplomatic skills were instrumental in securing French support for the American cause, which proved vital to the revolution’s success. He also negotiated the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
3. What was Benjamin Franklin’s role in the creation of the United States Constitution?
Benjamin Franklin was a key figure in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. At 81 years old, he was the oldest delegate and brought a wealth of experience to the proceedings.
Franklin advocated for a strong federal government and played a crucial role in brokering compromises between different factions. His speech urging unanimity in signing the Constitution was influential in persuading other delegates to support the document. While he had reservations about some aspects of the Constitution, Franklin signed it and urged others to do the same for the sake of national unity.
4. How did Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack influence American culture?
Poor Richard’s Almanack, published annually by Benjamin Franklin from 1732 to 1758, had a profound impact on American culture. The almanac was filled with weather forecasts, household hints, puzzles, and most famously, proverbs and witticisms that promoted virtues such as industry, frugality, and honesty.
Many of these sayings, such as “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” became part of American folklore. The almanac helped shape the American ethos of self-reliance and practical wisdom, influencing generations of readers and contributing to Franklin’s reputation as a source of homespun philosophy.
5. What was Benjamin Franklin’s stance on slavery?
Benjamin Franklin’s views on slavery evolved over his lifetime. In his younger years, Franklin owned slaves and defended the practice in his newspaper. However, as he grew older, his stance changed dramatically. By the 1750s, he had freed his slaves and become an outspoken abolitionist.
In 1787, Franklin became president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, the first antislavery society in America. He petitioned Congress to end slavery and the slave trade and wrote numerous essays arguing against the practice. Franklin’s change of heart on this issue reflects the complex and evolving attitudes toward slavery in colonial and early American society.