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Atlantic Cousins Benjamin Franklin and His Visionary Friends

Angelo Ward

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Published in Atlantic Cousins: Benjamin Franklin And His Visionary Friends

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Benjamin Franklin was one of the most important figures in American history. He was a scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. He was also a prolific writer and publisher. Franklin's circle of friends included some of the most influential people of his time, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. These men shared a belief in the power of science, education, and civic engagement. Their vision for America as a beacon of liberty and opportunity continues to inspire people around the world.

Atlantic Cousins: Benjamin Franklin and His Visionary Friends

by Jack Fruchtman Jr.

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	304 pages

Benjamin Franklin's Early Life

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1706. He was the son of a candle maker. Franklin had little formal education, but he was a voracious reader. He apprenticed to a printer at the age of 12. In 1723, Franklin moved to Philadelphia, where he founded his own printing business. Franklin quickly became one of the most successful printers in the colonies. He also became involved in civic affairs. He served on the Philadelphia City Council and the Pennsylvania Assembly. Franklin was also a member of the American Philosophical Society, which he helped to found.

Franklin's Scientific and Technological Achievements

Franklin was a gifted scientist and inventor. He is best known for his experiments with electricity. In 1752, Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment, which proved that lightning is a form of electricity. Franklin also invented the lightning rod, which protects buildings from lightning strikes. Franklin's other inventions include the Franklin stove, the bifocals, and the flexible catheter.

Franklin's Political Career

Franklin was a leading advocate for American independence. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and helped to draft the Declaration of Independence. Franklin also served as the first Postmaster General of the United States. After the war, Franklin was appointed Minister to France. He played a key role in securing French support for the American Revolution.

Franklin's Legacy

Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the most important figures in American history. He was a brilliant scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. Franklin's vision for America as a beacon of liberty and opportunity continues to inspire people around the world. Franklin's legacy is also evident in the many institutions that he helped to found, including the University of Pennsylvania, the American Philosophical Society, and the Franklin Institute.

Franklin's Circle of Friends

Franklin had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He corresponded with some of the most famous people of his time, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Adam Smith. Franklin's friends included some of the most influential people in American history, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. These men shared Franklin's belief in the power of science, education, and civic engagement. They worked together to create a new nation based on the principles of liberty and opportunity.

George Washington

George Washington was the first President of the United States. He was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin. Washington and Franklin shared a belief in the importance of education. They both served on the board of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Washington also relied on Franklin's advice during the American Revolution. Franklin helped to secure French support for the American cause. Washington and Franklin remained close friends until Franklin's death in 1790.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States. He was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson and Franklin shared a belief in the importance of science and education. They both served on the board of trustees of the American Philosophical Society. Jefferson also relied on Franklin's advice during the American Revolution. Franklin helped to secure French support for the American cause. Jefferson and Franklin remained close friends until Franklin's death in 1790.

John Adams

John Adams was the second President of the United States. He was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin. Adams and Franklin shared a belief in the importance of civic engagement. They both served on the Continental Congress. Adams also relied on Franklin's advice during the American Revolution. Franklin helped to secure French support for the American cause. Adams and Franklin remained close friends until Franklin's death in 1790.

Benjamin Franklin and his circle of friends were instrumental in the founding of the United States. They shared a belief in the power of science, education, and civic engagement. Their vision for America as a beacon of liberty and opportunity continues to inspire people around the world. Franklin's legacy is evident in the many institutions that he helped to found, including the University of Pennsylvania, the American Philosophical Society, and the Franklin Institute. Franklin's circle of friends included some of the most influential people in American history, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. These men worked together to create a new nation based on the principles of liberty and opportunity.

Atlantic Cousins: Benjamin Franklin and His Visionary Friends

by Jack Fruchtman Jr.

4.4 out of 5