Benjamin Franklin was one of the most important figures in American history. He was a scientist, an inventor, a politician, and a statesman. He is credited with inventing the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, and bifocals, as well as helping to draft the Constitution of the United States.
Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1706. He was the fifteenth of seventeen children and grew up in a large and close-knit family. He was an avid reader, and at the age of twelve, he convinced his father to allow him to go to school. After only a few months, he left school to become a printer.
In 1732, Franklin published his first work, Poor Richards Almanack, which consisted of a collection of proverbs and articles on matters of health, industry, and thrift. It became immediately popular and sold over ten thousand copies a year for twenty-five years.
In 1748, after twenty years of practice and study, Franklin completed his book on electrical experiments, Analysis of the Phenomena of Electricity. This book, along with his invention of the lightning rod, earned him the title, Father of Electricity. In 1752, he successfully demonstrated the effects of electricity on a kite, proving that lightning is electricity.
In addition to his scientific accomplishments, Franklin was an active participant in the American Revolution. Through his work, Franklin was able to secure the support of France in the revolutionary war. He also helped draft the Declaration of Independence and laid the groundwork for the United States Constitution.
Franklins achievements werent confined to the United States. He was one of the most sought-after diplomats of the time, traveling to Paris and London to negotiate trade agreements and secure alliances. He was also a notably successful politician, winning several elections and serving as Pennsylvanias attorney general from 1751 to 1764 and president of Pennsylvania from 1785 to 1788.
Though Franklin was one of the most prominent and influential Americans of his time, he was also a very humble man. He lived most of his life within a few blocks of where he was born, and he sought no personal gain from his actions. Franklins legacy is still felt today through the many organizations and projects he founded, such as the American Philosophical Society, the University of Pennsylvania, and the first public library in America.
Benjamin Franklin is an iconic figure in American history and culture. He was a scientist, inventor, politician, and statesman, who used his newfound understanding of electricity to benefit himself and his country. From securing French aid during the Revolution to rising through the ranks of politics to becoming Pennsylvanias president, Franklin fought to make America a better, more prosperous place. His works, inventions, and dedications will continue to inspire generations for years to come.
