Fast Facts About Ben Franklin
He Was Born 300 Years Ago, Jan. 17, 1706
By JUSTIN CLEARY, AOL HOMEWORK HELP
This year, cities across America will celebrate Franklin's Tercentenary -- none more than Philadelphia, which will have more than 125 activities through April. Learn about Franklin the Founding Father and true man of the world.
1. Although Franklin had a passion for public service, he never sought public office. His proficiency in civic matters impressed contemporaries, and he ended up holding many positions in his lifetime. Franklin was U.S. postmaster general, and served as America's ambassador to England and France.
2. Ben Franklin is most famous for his experiments with electricity, but his scientific study had a much broader scope. He was among the first to study weather and explore the movements of the Gulf Stream. His inventions include the lightening rod, bifocals, Franklin stove, and the concept of daylight saving time.
3. Franklin wanted the American colonies to remain a part of England, but only if the rights of the colonists were recognized. When he was convinced that England would not comply, he became one of its most formidable opponents, convincing the French to fight with America in the Revolutionary War.
4. Franklin was the oldest delegate in attendance at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. His influence helped establish the two-house Congress that America has today. This system satisfied both large and small states, and was instrumental in gaining unanimous support for the new Constitution.
5. As a publisher and writer, Franklin was a true innovator. His 'Poor Richard's Almanac' was immensely popular in colonial America and is best known for its proverbs. The almanac coined many well-known phrases including, "A penny saved is a penny earned," and "God helps them that help themselves."
Sources Used
Hutson, James H. "Franklin, Benjamin." World Book Online Reference Center. 2006. World Book, Inc. 12 Jan. 2006. http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/wb/Article?id=ar209260.
"Ben Franklin: Glimpses of the Man." The World of Benjamin Franklin. 2004. The Franklin Institute Science Museum. 12 Jan. 2006 http://fi.edu/franklin
2006-01-12 10:45:45
In addition to his contributions to science and publishing, Franklin was instrumental in the formation of the United States.
