Deaths on April 17

Benjamin Franklin, American inventor, publisher, and politician, 6th President of Pennsylvania (b. 1706)

Benjamin Franklin, born on January 17, 1706 (or January 6, 1706, according to the Old Style Julian calendar then in use in the British colonies), and passing away on April 17, 1790, stands as one of the most remarkable and versatile figures in American history. A true "polymath," a term signifying an individual whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas, Franklin was simultaneously an accomplished writer, a groundbreaking scientist, a resourceful inventor, a shrewd statesman, a skillful diplomat, an innovative printer and publisher, and a profound political philosopher. His multifaceted talents and relentless curiosity placed him among the leading intellectuals of his era, not only in the burgeoning American colonies but also across the Atlantic in Europe.

Architect of American Identity

Franklin’s contributions were absolutely fundamental to the birth and early development of the United States. He is revered as one of the distinguished Founding Fathers, playing a pivotal role in the nation's independence as a drafter and signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. Furthermore, his administrative acumen was recognized early, as he became the first United States Postmaster General, laying the groundwork for a unified communication system across the nascent nation. Indeed, his relentless advocacy for colonial unity, coupled with his influential role as an author and spokesman for several colonies in London, earned him the venerable title of "The First American." He envisioned a cohesive identity for the disparate colonies long before independence was a certainty.

Scientific Innovations and Enlightenment Thought

As a scientist, Franklin was a towering figure of the American Enlightenment, significantly shaping the field of physics through his pioneering studies of electricity. His famous kite experiment, though often romanticized, symbolized his empirical approach to understanding natural phenomena, leading to critical discoveries about electrical principles. This scientific inquiry bore practical fruit in his inventions, which continue to impact daily life even centuries later. He is widely celebrated for the invention of the lightning rod, a device that has protected countless buildings from fire; bifocals, revolutionizing vision correction; and the Franklin stove, an efficient and popular heating appliance that greatly improved home comfort. His work exemplified the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, empirical observation, and practical application of knowledge for societal benefit.

Founding Institutions and Public Service

Beyond his personal achievements, Franklin was a tireless advocate for civic improvement and the establishment of enduring institutions. He founded numerous vital organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to public welfare and community spirit. Among these were the Library Company, America's first subscription library, which made knowledge more accessible to the public; Philadelphia's first fire department, a crucial step in urban safety; and the institution that would evolve into the University of Pennsylvania, a beacon of higher education. His pioneering spirit also led him to become the first president of the Academy and College of Philadelphia, opening in 1751, and later, the first secretary and subsequently president (in 1769) of the American Philosophical Society, America's first learned society dedicated to scientific and scholarly inquiry.

Diplomacy and the Path to Independence

Franklin’s diplomatic skills were as profound as his intellectual prowess. He emerged as a national hero in America through his efforts as an agent for several colonies in London, where he spearheaded a successful campaign to convince the Parliament of Great Britain to repeal the unpopular Stamp Act. This early triumph against British policy showcased his persuasive abilities and deep understanding of political dynamics. Later, as the first United States ambassador to France, he achieved his greatest diplomatic feat. Widely admired among the French populace for his wit, charm, and embodiment of emerging American ideals, Franklin was a major figure in cultivating positive Franco-American relations. His tireless work in Paris proved absolutely vital for the success of the American Revolution, as he secured crucial French financial and military aid, without which the fledgling American states might not have prevailed. He served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1785 to 1788, further cementing his legacy in state politics.

Defining the American Ethos

Franklin did more than just contribute to the nation's founding; he was foundational in defining the very "American ethos." This unique cultural identity, as articulated by Franklin, represented a powerful blend: the practical, self-reliant values of thrift, hard work, and education, combined with a strong community spirit, a belief in self-governing institutions, and a resolute opposition to both political and religious authoritarianism. He seamlessly merged these with the scientific rigor and tolerant values championed by the Enlightenment. Historian Henry Steele Commager eloquently summarized this synthesis, noting that "In Franklin could be merged the virtues of Puritanism without its defects, the illumination of the Enlightenment without its heat." Indeed, Franklin has been celebrated as "the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become."

His Early Career and Evolution

Franklin's journey to prominence began with his entrepreneurial spirit in Philadelphia, which, at the time, was the leading city in the colonies. He became a highly successful newspaper editor and printer, notably publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette at the young age of 23. This venture, along with the immensely popular Poor Richard's Almanack, which he penned under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders," brought him considerable wealth and influence. The Almanack, filled with practical advice, wit, and maxims, became a staple in colonial households. After 1767, he became associated with the Pennsylvania Chronicle, a newspaper distinguished by its revolutionary sentiments and sharp criticisms of the policies emanating from the British Parliament and the Crown, reflecting Franklin's growing disenchantment with British rule. Earlier in his career, his appointment as Philadelphia postmaster for many years led to his promotion to deputy postmaster-general for the British colonies on August 10, 1753. In this expanded role, he ingeniously set up the first comprehensive national communications network, vastly improving inter-colonial communication and commerce. His active engagement extended to community affairs, colonial and state politics, as well as national and international diplomacy.

An Evolving Stance on Slavery

A crucial aspect of Franklin's life, reflecting the evolving moral landscape of his time, was his stance on slavery. Initially, like many of his contemporaries, he owned and even dealt in slaves. However, by the late 1750s, his views underwent a significant transformation. He began to argue vehemently against slavery, eventually becoming a committed abolitionist. Demonstrating his deep moral conviction, he actively promoted the education and full integration of African Americans into U.S. society, advocating for their rights and challenging the prevailing prejudices of the era.

Enduring Legacy

More than two centuries after his death, Benjamin Franklin's life and extraordinary legacy continue to inspire and resonate deeply within American culture and beyond. His scientific and political achievements, coupled with his indelible status as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, are commemorated in myriad ways. His likeness graces the hundred-dollar bill, a symbol of American prosperity and ingenuity. Warships bear his name, as do countless towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations across the nation. He is a frequent subject of cultural references, and a portrait of him proudly hangs in the Oval Office, a constant reminder of his enduring impact on the American experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Benjamin Franklin

Who was Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath, born in 1706, whose vast talents spanned writing, science, invention, statesmanship, diplomacy, printing, and philosophy. He was a leading intellectual of his time and one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States.

What were some of Benjamin Franklin's most famous inventions?

Among his notable inventions are the lightning rod, which protects buildings from lightning strikes; bifocals, revolutionizing vision correction; and the Franklin stove, an efficient heating appliance for homes.

How did Benjamin Franklin contribute to the American Revolution?

Franklin was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and played a crucial diplomatic role by serving as the first U.S. ambassador to France. His efforts secured vital French financial and military aid, which was indispensable for the success of the American Revolution.

What was Franklin's role in establishing early American institutions?

He founded Philadelphia's Library Company (America's first subscription library) and its first fire department. He also pioneered and was the first president of the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which later became the University of Pennsylvania, and was instrumental in establishing the American Philosophical Society.

Did Benjamin Franklin own slaves? What was his stance on slavery?

Initially, Benjamin Franklin did own and deal in slaves. However, by the late 1750s, his views dramatically shifted, and he became a staunch abolitionist. He actively advocated for the end of slavery and promoted the education and integration of African Americans into society.

Why is Benjamin Franklin called "The First American"?

He earned this title for his early and persistent campaigns for colonial unity and for his influential role as a spokesman for the colonies in London. He was instrumental in shaping a distinct American identity before the nation's formal establishment.

What is Benjamin Franklin's enduring legacy?

His legacy is immense and multifaceted, encompassing his scientific discoveries, practical inventions, foundational civic institutions, and crucial diplomatic achievements. He is remembered as a central figure in defining the American ethos of hard work, self-reliance, community, and scientific inquiry, and his image appears on the U.S. hundred-dollar bill, among countless other tributes.