Benjamin Franklin was a very important man in the Enlightenment period due to his vast knowledge of science and politics. The American Enlightenment provided the structure for the colonists of America to evolve into a unique American character by 1763 through the circulation of reading materials, the scientific discoveries that lead to unique inventions, the development of a different government, and the tolerance for many religions. This evolution can be assessed by the life of Benjamin Franklin, a key proponent of the Enlightenment.
Do you ever wonder how Benjamin Franklin helped shape our country? He contributed greatly in shaping our country including signing the Constitution, helping launch schools, fire departments and printing shops and helping to unite countries. Not only did he do all of that, he was also the only founding father who signed all four key documents establishing the United States which include the United States Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Alliance with France, and the Treaty of Paris. Ben Franklin was a leading compromiser that helped shape our country because he encouraged people to repeal the Stamp Act, he helped make an alliance with France, and he went to the Constitutional Convention and signed the United States Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the key Founding Fathers of the United States as a renowned diplomat that helped build our country’s allyship with France and a civic activist for public institutions. While seen as the original ‘self made man’ of America and the root of the concept know as the ‘American Dream’, others have become critical of Franklin over time. Some believe that while Franklin had good intentions in creating public institutions, that they were primarily made for his own personal gain. Yet when one looks at the moral values of the club Franklin lead and his meticulous tracking of his ideas for individual improvement, it is clear that while Franklin’s scope of betterment may have started with just himself in mind, it
Benjamin Franklin was a man of many trades who had significant impact on the revolutionary war. He was incredibly talented with beautiful philosophy. “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom - and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech”- (Benjamin Franklin). Benjamin Franklin and his involvement with the revolutionary war founded our country based on his background, virtues, education and inventions.
Earlier in the semester we were introduced to John De Crevecoeur’s letters from an American Farmer and Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography. The two books both had strong opinions about what American and what the “New Man” was in American during the 18th century. In the 18th century Benjamin franklin was the man who invented the American dream for many people. His Dream was that through hard work and honesty any man can gain respect in the community; along with deserving prosperity and economic protection. he also believed that American was a place where you could come and have a new start. John De Crevecoeur’s vison of the America and the “New Man” is a man who is leaving behind his old ways to create new ways and adapt new manner to make a new life for himself.
In conclusion it can be said the Benjamin Franklin was the first true American because his ideas for what would make a citizen better or safer were inclusive to education. And there is something to be said of his ability to work on his preconceived notions and correct his ways as he did. He changes and evolves and adapts. If this won’t be evocative of the title for true American and this is was America should strive to
A founding father, scientist, author, inventor, diplomat and "First American" along with many other things Benjamin Franklin was a very well-known man. Gordon S. Wood a professor of History Emeritus at Brown University, and recipient of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for history for the Radicalism of The American Revolution is also the author of "The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin." A book written to describe many events that Franklin took part in or things that happened to him that people may not know of. Although the book is very factual, the substantial vocabulary and lengthiness of the book itself make it very hard to maintain focus.
Modern American identity revolves around self improvement. Americans seek to improve themselves in all areas of life, be it socially, financially, or physically. Americans accomplish these goals through education and observing the successes of others. Benjamin Franklin, a man who is frequently admired by fellow Americans, embodies many of these qualities and, as such, has become an archetype of success and of what it means to be American. Benjamin Franklin is an archetypal American because of his values of self-improvement, community-mindedness, and frugality.
As Dave Attell once said, “You know, men and women are a lot alike in certain situations. Like when they’re both on fire-they’re exactly alike.” Attell’s quote ties in perfectly with Fahrenheit 451 regarding the novel’s futuristic society. The government’s goal is to make everyone equal and create overall happiness by making books illegal and disposing of all the remaining books through the rise of fire. The author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury, was an American creator that wrote many pieces of work including short stories, novels, plays and more in the genres of fantasy, science fiction, and horror (Weiner 79). Bradbury was a master of creating allusions and other literary devices, including the novel’s title itself throughout his writing,
He talks about things from the “establishment, that which [he] first formed, called the Union Fire Company” (Franklin 82) which was a big deal back then to inventing a new fireplace. He writes about his good deeds because Franklin wants to show what good Americans can do. His son would probably not have care as much, but the general public would care how Americans can prosper. Part three is all about how he prospered, how he lived the ‘American Dream’ Some believe that Benjamin Franklin wrote about his good deeds because he wanted to show Great Britain how great America was. He wanted to show that they could grow and prosper, that the Americans do not need Great Britain to survive, that they are fine by themselves, maybe ever
Fredrick Douglas and Benjamin Franklin are both one of the most famous successful in American history. They both followed a certain milestone to make them successful. Even though they are considered hard workers, they both have different obstacles and different views in their lifestyle. Fredrick Douglas used to be a slave who was a fugitive and Benjamin Franklin was young white man who had a rough time with his parent because his parents are very abusive to him. By comparing the difference and similarities by these two great people in American history even though they had their rough times, that does not stop them from their success.
The advantage of having many past experiences and being an old man is a great way to get attention from others. A wise old man who is willing to take any judgement or risk for what is best for his country and the people. Benjamin Franklin , author of the “Speech in the Convention” (1787), persuade his audience with the rhetorical techniques, by comparing the delegates through allusions and humbling his own ethos in order to convince the congress to pass the constitution by its flaw.
Many of you are taught all about the Founding Fathers and how America got it’s Independence. I’m positive you’ve all heard about the famous Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, and about all his contributions to history. He has contributed to the draft of the Declaration of Independence, but that wasn’t the only important contribution he made. He bought a famous paper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, proved the electrical nature of lighting with a kite, and many other things were done by Benjamin. You were probably not told too much about Franklin’s other accomplishments. In order to understand how important this man was, I’ll be talking about his life, work, and accomplishments.
Robert Middlekauff starts off by introducing Benjamin Franklin as a well-mannered and civic-minded individual who is loved by everyone. Of course, Benjamin Franklin was a little bit reserved when it came to strangers, but that never stopped people from growing fond of him. His good heart and spirit lead him to amazing people like Margaret Stevenson (Polly), John Adams, William Strahan, and Thomas Jefferson to name a few. Besides from having a well-liked personality Robert Middlekauff also reveals that Benjamin Franklin was a curious man who came equipped with an outstanding resumé. Benjamin Franklin’s resumé starts from a print shop to a politician, and finally to a scientist. Having worked in different
Scientist, diplomat, and inventor are three elements that describe Benjamin Franklin. Many people know that Benjamin Franklin studied electricity, but he did so much more. As a well known diplomat, Ben Franklin, showed Americans that they should be freed from British rule by fighting for their freedom. He left a lasting legacy as a Revolutionary War hero, a founding father, and a great scientist.