Benjamin Franklin

Q: Who was Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath and Founding Father who lived during the 18th century. He rose to prominence with his authorship of 'Poor Richard's Almanack', won scientific renown for his experiments with electricity, made numerous inventions, and helped draw France into the American Revolution.

Q: Where was Benjamin Franklin born?

Benjamin Franklin was born on Milk Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

Q: What were some of Benjamin Franklin's inventions?

Benjamin Franklin's inventions include the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove (a type of fireplace).

Q: What were Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the American Revolution?

Benjamin Franklin's main contributions to the American Revolution were to serve in the Continental Congress, help draft the Declaration of Independence, secure the American alliance with France, and help negotiate and draft the Treaty of Paris of 1783, which ended the war.

Harrison W. Mark

Definition

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American printer, writer, scientist, inventor, and diplomat, often regarded as a Founding Father of the United States. He rose to prominence as editor of The Pennsylvania Gazette and author of Poor Richard's Almanack before winning scientific renown for experiments with electricity. He also played a major role in the American Revolution (1765-1789).

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Timeline

17 Jan 1706
Benjamin Franklin is born in Boston, Massachusetts.
Oct 1723
Benjamin Franklin arrives in Philadelphia, finds work as a journeyman printer.
Dec 1724 - Jul 1726
Benjamin Franklin goes to London for the first time.
1727
Benjamin Franklin forms the Junto, or the 'Leather Apron Club', a club that met to debate morals, politics, and philosophy and improve their community.
1729
Benjamin Franklin begins publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette.
1 Sep 1730
Benjamin Franklin enters a common-law marriage with Deborah Read.
1732 - 1758
"Poor Richard's Almanack" is published annually by Benjamin Franklin, famous for its many proverbs that survive to the modern day.
1748
Benjamin Franklin retires from the printing business, begins focusing on his experiments with electricity.
11 May 1751
The Pennsylvania Hospital is founded by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond to care for the sick, infirm, and insane of Philadelphia, the oldest public hospital in the United States.
10 Jul 1754
Benjamin Franklin suggests the Albany Plan of Union, though it is ultimately rejected.
1757 - 1775
Benjamin Franklin resides in London as a colonial agent.
1770
Benjamin Frankling publishes a chart of the Gulf Stream.
26 Jul 1775
The United States Post Office is established by decree of the Second Continental Congress, briefly headed by Benjamin Franklin, to replace the London-based imperial postal service.
23 Mar 1779
Benjamin Franklin is named ambassador to France.
23 May 1785
Benjamin Franklin announces his invention of bifocals (which he called "double spectacles") in a letter to his friend George Whatley.
17 Apr 1790
Benjamin Franklin dies in Philadelphia at the age of 84.

Benjamin Franklin

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