Benjamin franklin was one of the Founding Fathers that im-pacted the United States with fabrication of many important documents that changed society.…
"The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin", written by Gordon S. Wood, is a selective study of aspects of the Founding Father's life. In his book, Wood's purpose is to portray the lesser known details of Benjamin Franklin's life and his transformation from a Loyalist of the Royal Crown, to a patriot who would unknowingly become one of the most massively symbolic and significant figures in American history. Wood reveals that before he was a passionate American revolutionist, Franklin passionately believed in the British Empire and tirelessly attempted to appease both American and British interests. Wood uses effective historical evidence, not commonly known today, to depict all faces of Benjamin Franklin. It is through precise investigation of the book's strengths and weaknesses that the reader will determine the…
In my research, I have decided that Ben Franklin is the ultimate Founding Father. He’s done things not only to make the government better, but he’s also helped society in general.…
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.…
When thinking of Benjamin Franklin, two thoughts come to my mind. His part in the founding of electricity due to his experiments with the kite and the key was engraved in my head from a young age. Also, the familiar face found at the center of possibly my favorite piece of paper I could have in my wallet at any time. But what lead to Benjamin Franklin being a figure so known and idolized, not only in early British American history but, in our world today? The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin outlines the life of a proclaimed self made man whose knowledge and hard work lead him to be a powerful and admired public figure in British North America. By implementing Toby Ditz’s idea surrounding masculinity that “the larger gender order within which masculinity is embedded is also fundamentally about…
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,…
The Seven Years’ War started in 1754. It was between Prussia, Britain and Hannover that fought against Austria, France, Russia, Sweden and Spain. It was fought in America, Europe, the West Indies, the Philippines, Africa, and on the ocean. There were two reasons for this war. Firstly, there was a serious rivalry between Britain and France about the colonies. Secondly, Prussia and Austria fought over Germany. It was during this time that Benjamin Franklin said, “All people agreed on the need for union, but their ‘weak noodles’ were ‘perfectly distracted’ when they attempted to agree on details.”…
“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…
Much of the success had by Benjamin Franklin coming from a poor family and turning into a wealthy individual was due to a few important people in his life. Franklin had about him very desirable qualities, for most people that he had met quickly gained interest in him and were willing to help him, Franklin however, never took any of this for granted. Benjamin Franklin had outstanding core values about him that were installed by a select few people growing up. The person who taught him the most important values in his life was his father, Josiah Franklin. Josiah, as described by Benjamin as “ingenious”, taught at a very young age the fundamental properties of thinking…
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.…
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..…
Often seen on the face of the 100$ bill, Benjamin Franklin is a historical figure of many careers and pastimes. He is a leading figure in early American history and is the only founding father that has signed all four documents key to establishing the U.S. Ben is yet one of the most awesome people in history that I can think of, awesome meaning I could literally go on for pages about what this man has done. His impact on modern America has a much bigger role than the naked eye can see, and we could live on just this man’s virtues everyday of our lives. Benjamin, by the age of 20, established his own list of 13 virtues he would live by every day. He was so set out to be as perfect as he could, that he carried around a small book with 13 charts in it.…
“A penny saved is a penny earned.” That well known quote is from none other than the famous Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. Josiah Franklin, Benjamin’s father, was a candle and soap maker. In Josiah’s first marriage with Anne Child, they had seven children together. Then in his second marriage with Abiah Folger, they had ten more children. Ben was his fifteenth child and his youngest son. Franklin had numerous accomplishments and he was also very involved in many careers, including: scientist, inventor, politician, author, printer, statesman, civic activist, political theorist, diplomat, postmaster, and freemason.…
Franklin surpassed many problems at a young age. In 1722, his brother was imprisoned for offending the Massachusetts officials, and by 1723, Franklin ran to Philadelphia to be independent with barely any money having his brother upset and angry since it was a defiant act for an apprentice (Baym, 234). Though he didn’t start off great, made multiple mistakes as he would call it, “errata”, with his time and patience lead him to be a great business man. With that, he took what he had learned from past experience and created a technique to improve upon his character by what he called, “13 Virtues” (Inside American History, 2007). It was something that he decided to work towards the rest of his life.…
The cornerstone of the United States of America is its Founding Fathers. This group of highly educated, wealthy aristocrats instigated the revolution against Britain, built the American system of government from scratch, and introduced American ideals that would resonate with the rest of the world. Some of the most acclaimed Founding Fathers include George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. However, although all of the Founding Fathers influenced the country in one way or another, none of them had as large of an impact as Benjamin Franklin. In addition to being a Founding Father, this Massachusetts-born Patriot was a renowned author, printer, scientist, politician, diplomat, and much more. Because of his exemplary work in these different…