Changes

In September 1730, Franklin entered a common law marriage with [[Deborah Read]]. No legal ceremony was possible because Deborah was still legally married; her husband had deserted to avoid paying a debt.<ref>  Although there were reports of his death, nothing was confirmed.</ref>  Around this time, Franklin fathered an illegitimate son by an unknown woman; [[William Franklin]] was raised in his new household.  In 1732, his first son with Deborah, Francis died of smallpox at the age of 4, leading Franklin to become an advocate of vaccinations.  Sarah Franklin, who went by Sally, was born 11 years later in 1743.  

In September 1730, Franklin entered a common law marriage with [[Deborah Read]]. No legal ceremony was possible because Deborah was still legally married; her husband had deserted to avoid paying a debt.<ref>  Although there were reports of his death, nothing was confirmed.</ref>  Around this time, Franklin fathered an illegitimate son by an unknown woman; [[William Franklin]] was raised in his new household.  In 1732, his first son with Deborah, Francis died of smallpox at the age of 4, leading Franklin to become an advocate of vaccinations.  Sarah Franklin, who went by Sally, was born 11 years later in 1743.  

==Almanack==

==Almanack==

In late 1732, he began writing and publishing ''[[Poor Richard's Almanack]]'', under the guise of Poor Richard Saunders and his wife, Bridget.  It's purpose was to provide practical knowledge to the common man, while interjecting a rich dose of humor.  Franklin had a knack for rewording old proverbs in a wittier manner and it was his wit that was instrumental in separating ''Poor Richard's'' from other almanacs being printed in Philadelphia.  The ''Almanack'' also served as an outlet for Franklin's desire toward self improvement and helping others.  It became an annual publication from 1732 to 1758.

In late 1732, he began writing and publishing ''Poor Richard's Almanack'', under the guise of Poor Richard Saunders and his wife, Bridget, both fictional characters.  It's purpose was to provide practical knowledge to the common man, while interjecting a rich dose of humor.  Franklin had a knack for rewording old proverbs in a wittier manner and it was his wit that was instrumental in separating ''Poor Richard's'' from other almanacs.  The ''Almanack'' also served as an outlet for Franklin's desire toward self improvement and helping others.  It became an annual publication from 1732 to 1758.

[[image:Bfranklin_penn.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Statue of Benjamin Franklin on the University of Pennsylvania campus.]]

[[image:Bfranklin_penn.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Statue of Benjamin Franklin on the University of Pennsylvania campus.]]

In 1758, he printed "Father Abraham's Sermon". Franklin's autobiography, published after his death, is a great American classic and is still widely read and quoted.  

In 1758, he printed "Father Abraham's Sermon". Franklin's autobiography, published after his death, is a great American classic and is still widely read and quoted.  

By age 42, Franklin was wealthy enough to retire from publishing and devote most of his time to his scientific pursuits.  

By age 42, Franklin was wealthy enough to retire from publishing and devote most of his time to his scientific pursuits.  

In 1744, he designed the "Pennsylvania Fireplace" (commonly known as the [[Franklin Stove]]<ref> See  [http://fi.edu/franklin/inventor/images/franklinstove.jpg illustration</ref>, a wood burning stove that fit inside a fireplace and maximized usefulheat while producing less smoke.  The stove was not as practical as he had hoped, but it laid the groundwork for more efficient wood burning stoves.   

In 1744, he designed the "Pennsylvania Fireplace" (commonly known as the [[Franklin Stove]]<ref> See  [http://fi.edu/franklin/inventor/images/franklinstove.jpg illustration</ref>, a wood burning stove that fit inside a fireplace and maximized useful heat while producing less smoke.  The stove was not as practical as he had hoped, but it laid the groundwork for more efficient wood burning stoves.   

[[image:BF_Gulf_stream_map.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Franklin's Chart of the Gulf Stream]]

[[image:BF_Gulf_stream_map.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Franklin's Chart of the Gulf Stream]]

Franklin put his prestige on the line to assist the expedition of British general [[Edward Braddock]] to capture Fort Duquesne (present day [[Pittsburgh]]) from the [[France|French]].  [[Pennsylvania]]’s legislature refused to help provide supplies for the expedition, so Franklin made an appeal for colonists to provide provisions, horses, and wagons for Braddock’s army.  In his autobiography, Franklin recalled questioning Braddock about the expedition’s chances of success. Braddock assured him he would easily capture the fort. After the disaster that Braddock met on the Monongahela, Franklin was less sanguine about accepting professional military opinion.  

Franklin put his prestige on the line to assist the expedition of British general [[Edward Braddock]] to capture Fort Duquesne (present day [[Pittsburgh]]) from the [[France|French]].  [[Pennsylvania]]’s legislature refused to help provide supplies for the expedition, so Franklin made an appeal for colonists to provide provisions, horses, and wagons for Braddock’s army.  In his autobiography, Franklin recalled questioning Braddock about the expedition’s chances of success. Braddock assured him he would easily capture the fort. After the disaster that Braddock met on the Monongahela, Franklin was less sanguine about accepting professional military opinion.  

==Colonial agent in London==

==Colonial agent in London==

In 1757, Franklin went to [[London]] to represent Pennsylvania in its quarrel with [[William Penn]]’s heirs (Pennsylvania was the last of the propriety colonies).  He remained abroad for eighteen years, not returning to American until 1775.  

In 1757, Franklin went to [[London]] to represent Pennsylvania in its quarrel with [[William Penn]]’s heirs (Pennsylvania was the last of the propriety colonies).  He remained abroad for eighteen years, not returning to American until 1775.  

During Franklin’s tenure in [[England]], he also represented several other colonies and became a regular observer, and unofficial representative of the colonies.  In 1765, he assured British politicians that Americans would accept the [[Stamp Act]], but news of colonial protest caused him to back away from that position.  Afterwards, Franklin regularly opposed English attempts to tax the colonies.

During Franklin’s tenure in [[England]], he also represented several other colonies and became a regular observer, and unofficial representative of the colonies.  In 1765, he assured British politicians that Americans would accept the [[Stamp Act]], but news of colonial protest caused him to back away from that position.  Afterwards, Franklin regularly opposed English attempts to tax the colonies.

===Mission to London===

===Mission to London===

In January of 1757, demonstrating its frustration with the Proprietors, the Assembly elected to send Franklin to London.  Franklin attempted to argue that the colonists should be afforded the same rights as other British citizens, with the ability to govern and tax through an elected legislature.  His attempts to persuade this to both Thomas Penn and Parliament failed.  Although his mission was over by 1758, Franklin lingered in London for another four years.  He enjoyed his time meeting with the local intellectuals and political radicals, and with a touch of regret returned to Philadelphia in 1762.  His return to Philadelphia was to be short-lived.  In the 1764 elections, Franklin failed to be reelected after a vicious pamphlet war labeled him as anti-German and Scottish, which made up a majority of Pennsylvania's frontier population.  He found this to be a blessing in disguise when the Assembly elected to send him back to London to serve as their agent once again.

In January of 1757, demonstrating its frustration with the Proprietors, the Assembly elected to send Franklin to London.  Franklin attempted to argue that the colonists should be afforded the same rights as other British citizens, with the ability to govern and tax through an elected legislature.  His attempts to persuade this to both Thomas Penn and Parliament failed.  Although his mission was over by 1758, Franklin lingered in London for another four years.  He enjoyed his time meeting with the local intellectuals and political radicals, and with a touch of regret returned to Philadelphia in 1762.  His return to Philadelphia was to be short-lived.  In the 1764 elections, Franklin failed to be reelected after a vicious pamphlet war labeled him as anti-German and Scottish, which made up a majority of Pennsylvania's frontier population.  He found this to be a blessing in disguise when the Assembly elected to send him back to London to serve as their agent once again.

===Stamp Act===

===Stamp Act===

Shortly after his arrival, the Parliament passed the [[Stamp Act of 1765]], which ended up being a public relations nightmare for Franklin.  Franklin had recommended a friend of his as collection officer for Pennsylvania, while Thomas Penn wisely stayed out of it.  The Act was immensely unpopular in the colonies and Franklin's recommendation did little to garner him any respect. He sent a letter to Philadelphia that was made public urging the colonies to simply make the best of it, leading to the misconception that Franklin had something to do with authoring the Act.  His reputation damaged, Franklin enlisted prominent London Quakers to write on his behalf, and he began his own writing campaign in the London press denouncing the Stamp Act.  On February 13, 1766 sat before Parliament and argued his case against the Act, which led to its repeal. This fully restored his reputation in America and he was asked by the colonies of Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to serve as their agent as well.  In June 1767, Parliament passed another tax on colonial goods called the [[Townshend Act]].  Franklin, still loyal to the crown, took a moderate approach - simultaneously denouncing the growing radicalism in the colonies while ridiculing the British government for imposing taxes without adequate representation.  Most of Franklin's moderation in these issues can be attributed to the fact that he desired a government appointment to oversee colonial affairs. When he was not chosen, he began an essay writing campaign that aggressively attacked the Townshend Act.

Parliament passed the [[Stamp Act]] in 1765, outraging Americans and putting Franklin in an awkward position. He sent a letter to Philadelphia that was made public urging the colonies to simply make the best of it, leading to the misconception that Franklin had something to do with authoring the Stamp Act.  His reputation damaged, Franklin enlisted prominent London Quakers to write on his behalf, and he began his own writing campaign in the London press denouncing the Stamp Act.  On February 13, 1766 sat before Parliament and argued his case against the Act, which led to its repeal. This fully restored his reputation in America and he was hired by the colonies of Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to serve as their agent as well.  In June 1767, Parliament passed the [[Townshend Act]], another tax on colonial goods.  Franklin, still loyal to the crown, took a moderate approach - simultaneously criticizing the rash colonials and the rash government. Increasing the great divide was representation in parliament. Americans had none.  

===Hutchinson letters===

===Hutchinson letters===

In 1773, Franklin somehow obtained the originals of secret letters written by Massachusetts governor [[Thomas Hutchinson]] to the British government.  The letters urged Parliament to send troops to put down the growing rebellion in Boston.  Franklin sent the letters to friends in the colony, who in turn publicly published them.  His intent was to pin the blame on people like Hutchinson for encouraging the unpopular policies, which he hoped would promote a spirit of reconciliation with Britain.  He misjudged the situation, however, which led to the Massachusetts Assembly demanding that Parliament remove Hutchinson from his governorship.  Franklin later admitted he had leaked the letters. He was interrogated in highly humiliating fashion before Parliament on January 29, 1775.  He was stripped of his position of postmaster and returned to Philadelphia on May 5, 1775.

In 1773, Franklin somehow obtained the originals of secret letters written by Massachusetts governor [[Thomas Hutchinson]] to the British government.  The letters urged Parliament to send troops to put down the growing rebellion in Boston.  Franklin sent the letters to friends in the colony, who in turn publicly published them.  His intent was to pin the blame on people like Hutchinson for encouraging the unpopular policies, which he hoped would promote a spirit of reconciliation with Britain.  He misjudged the situation, however, which led to the Massachusetts Assembly demanding that Parliament remove Hutchinson from his governorship.  Franklin later admitted he had leaked the letters. He was interrogated in highly humiliating fashion before Parliament on January 29, 1775.  He was stripped of his position of postmaster and returned to Philadelphia on May 5, 1775.

==Champion of Independence==

===Continental Congress===

Returning from England in 1775, Franklin came out strongly in favor of independence. He was on the committee in charge of the [[Declaration of Independence]], which he helped [[Thomas Jefferson]] draft.  

Upon his return in 1775, Franklin was elected to the [[Second Continental Congress]], where he took the lead in promoting nationhood. On July 21, he presented his scheme for the [[Articles of Confederation]], similar to his Albany Plan, which called for a strong central government and a congress with proportional representation. However, few of his ideas were included in the Articles Congress adopted in 1777.  As popular sentiment for independence grew in early 1776, Franklin, joined [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[John Adams]], [[Roger Sherman]], and [[Robert Livingston]] as a committee to prepare a [[Declaration of Independence]].  Jefferson, the best writer, did the drafting, with Franklin offering his editorial commentary.  The United States was now an independent country and had apparently driven out all the British officials.  But they returned in force in August, 1776, seized New York City, and offered to negotiate on everything except independence.  Help was needed from France, so in December of 1776 Franklin was sent to Paris , along with [[Silas Deane]] and [[Arthur Lee]], to secure aid for the new nation.  

Franklin had made his illegitimate son William Franklin, the Royal Governor of [[New Jersey]], but he remained loyal to the Crown, and father and son never reconciled.  

Franklin had made his illegitimate son William Franklin, the Royal Governor of [[New Jersey]], but he remained loyal to the Crown, and father and son never reconciled.  

He understood the risks the [[Founding Fathers]] were taking and told them, "We must all hang together, or we shall hang separately."

He understood the risks the [[Founding Fathers]] were taking and told them, "We must all hang together, or we shall hang separately."

==Ambassador==

==Ambassador==

He served as the American minister (ambassador) to [[France]], where where he was instrumental in obtaining military and economic support for the struggle against England. In Paris, Franklin mingled with scientists, writers and intellectuals in many of the salons. He avoided court costumes and cultivated the image of a rustic American, sometimes wearing a coonskin cap. The French loved every bit of it and his popularity helped in securing recognition, money and armies and navies to fight Britain.  

Franklin was America's first  minister (ambassador) to [[France]], where where he was instrumental in obtaining military and economic support for the struggle against Britain. Franklin arrived to great fanfare in France. Already well-known for his lightning experiment, his flirtatious manner and wit made him a favorite among the courtiers.  Franklin systematically mingled with scientists, writers, intellectuals and government officials in Paris. He avoided court costumes and cultivated the image of a rustic American, sometimes wearing a coonskin cap. The French loved every bit of it and his popularity helped in securing recognition, money and armies and navies to fight Britain.

 

Franklin proved himself to be a crafty diplomat.  By the end of 1777, after the great American victory at [[Battle of Saratoga|Saratoga]], the French became confident the Americans were strong enough to prevail. The French favored an alliance with the Americans, but their ally [[Spain]] was opposed, fearing that anti-imperial republicanism might emerge ion Spain's many colonies. Franklin played on the traditional hatred between the British and the French, using the press to get his messages across.  On February 5, 1778 he officially signed a treaty of alliance with France with the stipulation that the U.S. must have France's approval to negotiate peace with Britain.  The American revolution was now a world war, and as the Netherlands and Spain joined France, and the rest remained neutral, Britain was outnumbered on land and sea and had little hope of defeating the Allies.  French aid proved to be critical to the Americans success, most notably in October 1781 at [[Siege of Yorktown|Yorktown]] in which the victory at sea of the French fleet over the British fleet, and the 15,000 French ground troops forced the British to surrender.  The Revolutionary war was now won, but negotiations dragged on until 1783.  

===Constitutional Convention===

===Constitutional Convention===

Franklin arrived back in Philadelphia in September 1785.  The [[Articles of Confederation]], which were ratified by all the colonies in 1781, proved to be inefficient for governing the new nation, particularly because they granted the national government no power to levy taxes. In 1787 the [[Constitutional Convention]] convened in Philadelphia to write a new Constitution. Franklin, at age 81 the oldest delegate, played an honorific role and his support helped legitimize the project.

Franklin returned home in September 1785.  Like all nationalists he could see that the Articles of Confederation created a government that was too weak to survive in a dangerous world.  It had no president and no tax base, for example. In 1787 the [[Constitutional Convention]] convened in Philadelphia to write a new Constitution. Franklin, at age 81 the oldest delegate, played an honorific role and his support helped legitimize the project.

==Slavery==

==Slavery==