Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin


     Benjamin Franklin was a remarkably talented man.  He started his career

as a simple printer apprentice, but went far beyond the printers shop.  He

developed products that were far beyond the time.  The Franklin stove for

example, for cold winter nights and bifocal lenses for reading.  Franklin

tracked storm paths to help understand the wicked weather endured by the

colonies.  His study of electricity made him most famous for he was known around

the world as the inventor of the lightning rod.  Not only was Ben Franklin

helpful in developing ideas for better living, he was also a strong force in

developing the new nation of America.  Benjamin Franklin's political views

showed him to be a man who loved freedom and self-government.  His views towards

Britain gradually changed from favor to disfavor until he finally became a

revolutionist at the age of 70.  But more than just his political views help in

the formation of the United States.  His common sense, his whit, and his ability

to negotiate behind the scenes, all lent a hand in the formation of the new

country across the sea.  Franklin's good humor and gift for compromise often

helped prevent bitter disputes which could have stalled the formation of the new

government.

     Interestingly, Ben Franklin, who was a chief participant in the battle

for independence, “had a lot to lose by it.”  (Wright 1986, page 204).  He had a

residence in London and was influential in England.  However, his love of

liberty and his desire to promote the well being of Pennsylvania pushed him

toward independence for the colonies.  Franklin had to wrestle with his

conscience over his own private affairs.  Also, since he was well respected in

England, he was "the Establishment man-even if he felt now a deep unease on the

basic question:  What was the authority of Parliament over the American

colonies?"  (Wright, page 205).  At first Franklin wanted the colonies to be and

independent free nation under the caring and protecting umbrella of the British

Empire.  "He had dream...of a great British Empire, gridding the globe, based

upon a commonwealth of free nations, each with its own laws, its own government

and freedoms, but bound together by compact with the Crown for mutual benefit,

mutual defense, and the propagation of English freedoms."  (Schoenbrun 1976,

page 5).  As stated earlier, Franklin did not contemplate separation from

Britain for he regarded Britain as “having the freest, best government in the

world.”  (Ketcham 1993,page3).  Franklin proposed self-government for the

American colonies.  Historically, Ben Franklin was in favor of self-government.

In fact, nearly forty years of service as a public official began when Franklin

was elected for the Pennsylvania Assembly.  At first, he wanted to get support

for various civic causes but soon partisan politics held his undivided attention.

 Further, as the legislature strategist and writer for the weakly formed Quaker

party, "he defended the powers of the elected representatives of the people.

Franklin thus thThis is ONLY a preview of the article. If you would like to view the entire document, you must subscribe to Electronic References. Please register below now!


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