Preview

Benjamin Franklin's Influence On American Society

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
943 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Benjamin Franklin's Influence On American Society
Benjamin Franklin’s Influence on American Society
Benjamin Franklin was born in the 18th century, and he was one of the most intelligent astounding American national history has recorded. He increased his already genius rank brightness all through his life. With only three years of education, he took the initiative to learn various arts and sciences including learning French, German, Spanish, and Italian. Additionally, he learned to play the guitar, harp, and violin (Powell, 1997). Therefore, it is not surprising that he was a writer, diplomat, theorist, scientist, and American printer. The paper explains Benjamin Franklin’s influence on American society (Brands, 2000). Benjamin is an important man in the history of America because he had a
…show more content…
Although the American dream has diverse meaning to the society, prosperity is the core value that characterizes the vision (Powell, 1997). However, the economic success advocated in the dream focuses on self-effort and innovation. The live of Benjamin Franklin entails episodes of innovation and creativity that facilitates his success. His selfless character shaped the American dream where every member of the society had an equal chance of living a better life. Notably, Franklin did not patent his discovery of the lightening rod, as he wanted the people to use it to improve their lives (Powell, 1997). Additionally, his involvement in the improvement of Philadelphia demonstrates his dedication to enhance life. In Philadelphia, Franklin was obsessed in helping the society and e launched a police force, volunteer fire company, fire insurance firm, public library, university, and hospital among other.
As a scientist, Franklin improved the science sector. He began to investigate with electricity. He was able to discover that they are two types of charges, which he referred to as negative and positive (Brands, 2000). He invented a stove that supplied more heat and minimized fuel usage. Additionally he invented the lighting rod, bifocals, glass armonica, and electrical generator. He also established artificial manure and invented lead based toxic. Franklin loved swimming this lead to his innovation of swimming fins (Drake, (2011). He also established the American philosophical society, the society promoted

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Franklin’s formal education was limited and ended when he was 10; however, he was an avid reader and taught himself to become a skilled writer. He started his own printing business where he printed government pamphlets, books and currency. As his business grew, he became increasingly involved in civil affairs. He established a lending library when books weren’t widely available, and that remained the largest U.S. public library until the 1850’s. Between 1765 and 1775 he wrote 126 newspaper pieces, most of which tried to explain each side to the other.…

    • 787 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Wood presents important supporting evidence that Franklin is more complex than his stereotype. In his book, Wood follows two broad courses, from Franklin’s difficult progress from an English supporter, to becoming a more committed American. In chapter one, "Becoming a Gentlemen," Wood lists events chronologically that were a result of Franklin's…

    • 786 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    He shaped American history because his achievements were unprecedented. Franklin was the mind behind America’s first public library, first national newspaper, and first non-religious college. Serving as a founding father, he helped build America from the ground up, from the rubble and difficulties that led to independence to the formation of American government. His confidence in American growth and strength led to significant political and scientific breakthroughs that still continue to be used in modern times. Though he may not have been recognized widely at the time, his diligence to succeed outweighed any impediments that he may have faced.…

    • 1155 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Though his hard work and expanding thirst for knowledge helped him grow successful in his works, he had an extreme thirst for public approval. In 1732, he used his connection to the printing industry to publish the first version of his Almanack. Franklin’s Almanack consisted of annual public news but also of ideal household ways to live and hints to becoming a better being. These small hints over time would couple together to form what Franklin saw as a desirable and acceptable piece of society and result in personal gains and betterment. Franklin felt that “Human Felicity is produc’d not so much by great Pieces of good Fortune that seldom happen, as by little Advantages that occur every Day. Thus if you teach a poor young Man to shave himself and keep his Razor in order, you may contribute more to the Happiness of his Life than in giving him 1000 Guineas (Franklin, 133).” These “little advantages” that Franklin was giving to the common people of society served as his feeling of having dependents and gave him credibility to the public of British North…

    • 1186 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    What we read in class of Ben Franklin's writing showed a new concept called rationalism. His ideas were about how self-improvement is reflected in a rationalist’s beliefs. There were virtues that he believed were important for how a person should live their lives,…

    • 354 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Benjamin Franklin used the experiences of his daily life to write astronomical and astrological information needed by European countries during his oversees stays. In his autobiography, he also expresses the fact that one must do whatever it takes to make his or her dream come true. His writings were influenced by the calamity of the Revolutionary War and also by many of his colleagues, especially David Hume. Mr. Franklin’s home and school are brought up numerous times in his writing amplifying the fact that he never forget about the events and education that he received…

    • 96 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Have you ever wanted to know more about Benjamin Franklin? I mean we learn about him in our history books, for the kite experiment, and help develop the Declaration of Independence, but there is so much more. Like his early childhood, what he did when he was a child, some of his favorite hobbies. Or have you ever wondered what else he did, because he has invented to so many machines, and helped change America. Even though Franklin is gone, there are still some people who share some traits with him, who knows, maybe their influence was from Ben Franklin.…

    • 1379 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    “The Autobiography” establishes in literary form the first example of the fulfillment of the American Dream. He writes of the possibilities of life in America through his own rise from the lower middle class as a youth to one of the most admired men in the world as an adult. Furthermore, he states that he achieved his success through a solid work ethic. For instance he writes, “It was about this time that I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” (Franklin 307). He wants have that American dream, so he comes up with the thirteen virtues to help him. He proved that even undistinguished people can, through industry, become great figures of importance in America in his writings. His “The Autobiography” also reflects idealism. He somewhat writes of intellectual flourishment and political thought and during part two, he is trying to live them out. According to Betsy Erkkila, “while the Revolution is not present as part of the manifest content of Franklin's narrative, it is present as the political or narrative unconscious of Franklin's "Life"--as a scene of social crisis, bloody contest, and challenge to traditional structures of authority in family, society, church, and state” (Erkkila). This meaning that even though it wasn’t spoke of directly, the revolution was desired by Franklin so others could have the American dream and achieve as he…

    • 716 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Essie and her husband, Joseph Franklin, a fellow Mississippian, worked hard to obtain success. They did not have expensive higher education degrees that some blacks may have today; however, what they had were common sense, disciple, perseverance; and a determination to obtain their dreams. Given this, they acquired homes in some of California's most affluence middle-class communities, and by America's standards, they were successful. Though Essie was successful, she, nevertheless, did not allow the material trappings to change her in any way. She kept her head about her.…

    • 408 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Before starting this project, we were learning about a time in America’s history when the Patriots came together to strive for the freedom and growth of their country, later known as the Revolutionary War. The Patriots were the brave citizens of the thirteen colonies who fought for America’s freedom from the rule of the British. Many people showed the best of their ability and rose up to be leaders, diplomats, politicians, and more. However, one person in particular laid down the foundation of America and played a key role in the war. This was none other than Benjamin Franklin. Mr. Franklin caught our eye through his many achievements, like the French Alliance of 1778, drafting the Declaration of Independence, and signing all four key documents of America’s development..…

    • 540 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Benjamin Franklin's Roles

    • 345 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Benjamin Franklin played many roles rather than just being the president. He was well known in the eighteenth century, especially in the western world of the eighteenth century. At the time Benjamin Franklin was the center for everyone and there is no doubt he was a piviotal part of many people’s lives. Benjamin Franklin lived in heart’s of many for many reasons in particularly for his hard work in gaining independence for the United States. Franklin also had a hand in establishing the U.S. as a nation. He did this by forming the first public library. Franklin was important too many individuals that changed lives by, providing opportunities that included public services more than science. Add more…

    • 345 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Although his printing career was successful, he had many other accomplishments that make him one of the most influential Founding Fathers in America. A major accomplishment of his was when he successfully negotiated to form an essential military alliance with France in 1778 as the American Revolution progressed, as well as negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783 after the Americans emerged victorious in the Revolution. Additionally, Franklin was a significant contributor to the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766. Franklin was appointed to be the first Postmaster General in the U.S. in 1775, and he was one of the five men that drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. One of the things that peaks my interest in Benjamin Franklin and what inspired me to choose him for this essay is his passion for science and his inventions. Before he turned his interest to electricity and conducted his renowned kite-and-key experiment to demonstrate that lightning was a form of electricity, he had previously invented a flexible catheter, a heat-efficient stove, the Armonica, swim fins, and bifocals. Franklin got the nickname the “First American” because he was a genuine polymath and tycoon in the eyes of the public. The last public act that he was involved in was in 1789, when he wrote an anti-slavery treatise. The most interesting fact that I discovered about Franklin is that he was an ardent chess player. Seeing as how I really enjoy playing chess, I found this newfound information quite fascinating. In 1999, Ben was initiated into the United States Chess Hall of Fame and the second oldest chess club in the U.S., The Franklin Mercantile Chess Club in Philadelphia, was named in honor of him. If I was given the opportunity to have a face-to-face encounter with the “First American,” Benjamin Franklin, I would ask him if he thought America would…

    • 944 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Benjamin Franklin made many inventions and discovered things such as electricity to help the American people. He was a great scientist and inventor. Some of his inventions that helped the American people include… Bifocals to help…

    • 608 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    “Benjamin Franklin had already made great contributions to American society before he became involved in the movement for Independence” (Benton). “Franklin was not only the most famous American in the 18th century but also one of the most famous figures in the Western world of the 18th century; indeed, he is one of the most celebrated and influential Americans who has ever lived” (Wood). For Benjamin franklin to contribute all of his greatest inventions from when he was a child until his death, shows the world how great of a man he was. Benjamin Franklin is the worlds all time writer, inventor, politician, and many more, but he is defined as the worlds most remarkable…

    • 764 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The armonica is basically a musical instrument made out of glass. He named it "the armonica after the Italian word armonia, which means 'harmony'" (Vleet 20). He loved to listen to music and play along with his daughter Sarah. His next great invention was his bifocals. The bifocals where his own version of glasses. Benjamin Franklin loved to read and write. "Because Ben loved reading so much," he decided to invent something that would help "make the experience of reading books easier and more enjoyable" (Vleet 27). As Benjamin Franklin would become older, his eyes were starting to die down. He started needing two pairs of glasses, "one pair was for seeing things that were close up, and one was for seeing things far away" (Vleet 28). He created the bifocals because "he hated having to switch back and forth" so he could see (Vleet 28). The bifocals and the armonica were Benjamin Franklin's greatest inventions.…

    • 2011 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays