Benjamin Franklin

Categories: Social Science

  • Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leading author, political theorist, politician, printer, scientist, inventor, civic activist, diplomat and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

    University of California, San Diego science professor Alan Houston discovered 47 letters from, to and about Benjamin Franklin while doing research at a library in London. Out of the 47 previously undiscovered letters, 18 were written by Franklin himself and detail his interactions with General Edward Braddock and his planned assault on Fort Duquesne.UPI: Benjamin Franklin letters found in London (April 24, 2009)

  • Scientist and Inventor

    As a scientist, Franklin invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer and the glass harmonica. He founded the first lending library and fire department in Pennsylvania and was an early supporter of colonial unity. As a diplomat, it was his securing of an alliance with the French that helped make U.S. independence possible.

  • Writer and Philosopher

    Franklin wrote, edited and published Poor Richard's Almanack and the Pennsylvania Gazette. Both endeavors made him a wealthy man. He was elected the first president of the American Philosophical Society, the Postmaster General to the Continental Congress and the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

  • Timeline

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