Benjamin Franklin | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Update : December 10, 2024

Who is Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin, born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, was a multifaceted Founding Father of the United States and an influential polymath. He played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s early governance as a co-author of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Beyond politics, Franklin was a renowned inventor and scientist, credited with innovations such as the lightning rod and bifocal glasses. His scientific inquiries into electricity and other fields laid foundational knowledge that continues to impact modern science. Franklin's intellect and creativity also found expression in his writing, particularly through "Poor Richard’s Almanack", where he infused wit and wisdom into practical advice.

As a public figure, Franklin was not just a politician but a pragmatic thinker who organized the first American lending library and was an advocate for education. His establishment of the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731 marked a significant advancement in American literary culture. Franklin’s contributions to civic life included launching initiatives for volunteer fire companies and promoting public safety and education. Even his later opposition to slavery demonstrated his evolving views on morality and justice. As a diplomat in France, Franklin strengthened U.S. foreign relations, culminating in the Treaty of Paris, which recognized American independence. His legacy as an innovator, leader, and thinker earns him enduring recognition as one of the most influential figures in American history.

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, into a large family. He was the youngest son of Josiah Franklin, a soap and candle maker, and his second wife, Abiah Folger. Frankly, the rigorous circumstances of his early life steered him away from formal education. Although he developed an early love for reading and achieved success at Boston Latin School, Franklin was forced to leave school at the tender age of 10 to work in his father’s shop. This experience instilled in him a strong work ethic, though it was not enough to satisfy his curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

At age 12, Franklin apprenticed with his older brother James in a printing shop. Despite a difficult relationship with his brother, who often mistreated him, Franklin's time there proved pivotal. He learned the intricacies of publishing and developed a passion for writing. Frustrated by his brother's refusal to print his work, Franklin began writing under the pseudonym Mrs. Silence Dogood. The clever, humorous letters captivated the newspaper's audience, showcasing Franklin's burgeoning talent and wit. This formative period laid the groundwork for his future accomplishments as a writer, inventor, and statesman.

Career Start: Printing and Writing

Benjamin Franklin's career in printing and writing began at a young age, influenced by his father's struggling business. At just 12 years old, he was apprenticed to his brother James, who ran a printing shop. Though the apprenticeship was marked by mistreatment from his brother, it provided Franklin with a solid foundation in the world of newspapers and printing. His love for writing blossomed during this time, leading him to write under the pseudonym Mrs. Silence Dogood, charming readers with witty letters published in The New England Courant—a publication managed by his brother.

In 1726, following the tumultuous relationship with his brother, Franklin moved to Philadelphia, where he found new opportunities. He worked for another printer and soon recognized the potential of starting his own print shop. By 1730, he had established himself as the official printer for Pennsylvania and published the widely read Pennsylvania Gazette. His talent for merging humor with serious content shone through in his writing and publication of Poor Richard's Almanack, which became a staple for American readers and solidified his reputation as a premier thinker and writer of his time.

Success and Achievements in Science and Politics

Benjamin Franklin was a quintessential polymath whose achievements spanned the fields of science and politics, leaving an indelible mark on American history. In the realm of science, Franklin's keen intellect led to groundbreaking discoveries, notably in electricity. His famous kite-and-key experiment in 1752 demonstrated that lightning was a form of electricity, which ultimately resulted in the invention of the lightning rod, changing the safety precautions of buildings forever. Furthermore, he introduced significant scientific terminology, such as “battery” and “conductor,” which remain in use today. Franklin’s curiosity also drove him to invent practical items like the bifocal glasses and the Franklin stove, showcasing his ability to blend scientific inquiry with practical applications.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Franklin was a pivotal figure in American politics. He was crucial in the drafting of foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. His diplomatic skills were vital in securing French support during the Revolutionary War, culminating in the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the conflict. As a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly and the first postmaster general of the colonies, Franklin’s political career was marked by his advocacy for unity among the colonies and the promotion of civic responsibility. His multifaceted legacy as a scientist and statesman exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that characterized the founding of the United States.

Life in Paris and Diplomacy

Benjamin Franklin spent a significant part of his later years in Paris, where he served as an ambassador for the newly formed United States. Appointed in 1776, Franklin's mission in France was pivotal; he sought military and financial support for the American Revolution. His charm, wit, and keen intellect made him an esteemed figure in French society, allowing him to forge vital alliances. Though he yearned for romantic companionship, with proposals to Madame Helvetius and others left unreciprocated, Franklin's diplomatic role flourished during this time, leading to substantial French assistance for the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

Franklin's time in Paris was marked by his ability to navigate the elite circles of French aristocracy and intellectual life. He became a central figure in salons, engaging with luminaries of the time and promoting American interests. His reputation as a scientist and inventor helped him gain respect beyond his role as a diplomat, leading to fruitful negotiations. Ultimately, his diplomatic efforts culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the Revolutionary War, marking a significant triumph in both Franklin’s life and in the burgeoning United States.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Benjamin Franklin's personal life was marked by his long-standing relationship with Deborah Read, whom he considered his common-law wife. They married in 1730 after rekindling their romance when Franklin returned to Philadelphia. The couple faced personal tragedies, including the loss of their first son, Francis, who died from smallpox at the tender age of four. They also raised William, Franklin's son from a prior relationship, alongside their daughter Sarah, born in 1743. Deborah remained a steadfast partner despite Franklin's frequent absences during his trips to London, and she ultimately passed away in 1774, leaving an indelible mark on his life.

Franklin's relationship with his eldest son, William, became strained due to their conflicting political views during the Revolutionary War. William, a loyalist and royal governor of New Jersey, found himself at odds with his father's growing patriot sentiments. Despite Franklin's influence in appointing William to his position, their connection weakened considerably when William was imprisoned by revolutionary forces. Franklin's will reflected his complicated feelings, as he allocated most of his estate to Sarah, showing a preference for his daughter's loyalty over William's political choices. This familial discord serves as a poignant reflection of Franklin's broader conflicts with the changing tides of American society.

Net Worth and Earning: Wealth and Legacy

Benjamin Franklin was not only a pivotal figure in American history but also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. Throughout his lifetime, Franklin amassed considerable wealth primarily through his printing and publishing ventures. He founded several newspapers, including The Pennsylvania Gazette, which became the most widely-read paper in the colonies under his ownership. Additionally, his ventures in education and philanthropy, such as the establishment of America’s first lending library and the University of Pennsylvania, contributed to his legacy as a respected intellectual and community leader. By the time of his death in 1790, Franklin was one of the wealthiest men in Pennsylvania, with an estate valued at around $100,000, equivalent to millions in today’s dollars.

Franklin’s influence extended far beyond his financial success. He was a founding father of the United States, playing a central role in pivotal events like the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. His scientific discoveries, particularly in electricity, alongside inventions like the lightning rod and bifocal glasses, showcased his polymath abilities and entrepreneurial spirit. Franklin’s commitment to public service, civic duty, and the advancement of knowledge and community welfare has left an enduring legacy, shaping the fabric of American society and democratic governance. His life demonstrated that wealth can be an avenue for greater contributions to society, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

FAQs

Who was Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a polymath who excelled as an inventor, scientist, printer, politician, freemason, and diplomat. He played pivotal roles in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, as well as negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the Revolutionary War.

What were some of Franklin's scientific contributions?

Franklin made significant contributions to the study of electricity, conducting the famous kite-and-key experiment to demonstrate that lightning is electricity. He coined several terms still in use today, such as "battery", "charge", and "conductor." His other inventions include the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove, which improved heating efficiency.

What is Poor Richard's Almanack?

Published by Franklin for 25 years starting in 1732, Poor Richard's Almanack was a yearly publication that included weather forecasts, proverbs, and entertaining essays. It was well-known for its witty sayings, such as "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," making it a pivotal piece of American literature and humor.

What roles did Franklin play in the American government?

Franklin held several important positions in government, including serving as a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, deputy postmaster general of North America, and as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was instrumental in advocating for unity among the colonies and played a key role in shaping early American legislation and foreign policy.

How did Franklin's views on slavery change over time?

Initially, Franklin owned enslaved people, but his views evolved as he recognized the inherent immorality of slavery. By the 1760s, he freed his enslaved individuals and later became a leading advocate for abolition, serving as president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and petitioning Congress for an end to the institution.

What legacy did Benjamin Franklin leave behind?

Franklin is remembered as a true American icon, with contributions spanning science, literature, politics, and social reform. His innovative spirit, commitment to education, founding of libraries, and establishment of the postal system have left an enduring mark on American society and continue to be celebrated today. He is often referred to as the "First American" for his diverse achievements and influence.