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Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was
one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. A noted
polymath, Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist,
political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist,
statesman and diplomat. As a scientist he was a major figure in the
Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and
theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod,
bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and a musical
instrument. He formed both the first public lending library in
America and first fire department in Pennsylvania. He was an early
proponent of colonial unity and as a political writer and activist
he, more than anyone, invented the idea of an American nation and as
a diplomat during the American Revolution, he secured the French
alliance that helped to make independence possible.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin learned printing from his
older brother and became a newspaper editor, printer, and merchant
in Philadelphia, becoming very wealthy, writing and publishing Poor
Richard's Almanack and the Pennsylvania Gazette. Franklin
was interested in science and technology, and gained international
renown for his famous experiments. He played a major role in
establishing the University of Pennsylvania and Franklin &
Marshall College and was elected the first president of the American
Philosophical Society. Franklin became a national hero in America
when he spearheaded the effort to have Parliament repeal the
unpopular Stamp Act. An accomplished diplomat, he was widely admired
among the French as American minister to Paris and was a major
figure in the development of positive Franco-American relations.
From 1775 to 1776, Franklin was Postmaster General under the
Continental Congress and from 1785 to 1788 was President of the
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Toward the end of his
life, he became one of the most prominent abolitionists.
Franklin's colorful life and legacy of scientific and political
achievement, and status as one of America's most influential
Founding Fathers, has seen Franklin honored on coinage and money;
warships; the names of many towns, counties, educational
institutions, namesakes, and companies; and more than two centuries
after his death, countless cultural references. |
