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Benjamin Franklin
Historical Figures
Benjamin Franklin
The polymath statesman who helped draft the United States Constitution and invented bifocal glasses.
Born
1706
Died
1790
Nationality
American
Profession
Politician
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 12 key moments that shaped Benjamin Franklin's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1706
1706-01-17
Birth
Birth of Benjamin Franklin
•Age 0•Boston, Massachusetts
Benjamin Franklin was born to Josiah and Abiah Franklin in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the 15th of 17 children and showed an early aptitude for learning and curiosity.
1716
Education
Attends South Grammar School
•Age 10•Boston, Massachusetts
Franklin attends the South Grammar School (now Boston Latin School) but leaves after just two years due to financial constraints. His formal education ends, but his self-education continues.
1721
Career
Apprentices with Brother James
•Age 15•Boston, Massachusetts
Franklin begins an apprenticeship with his brother James at a print shop in Boston, where he learns the printing trade and hones his writing skills by secretly submitting articles to the New-England Courant.
1726
Milestone
Travels to England
•Age 20•London, England
Franklin leaves Boston for Philadelphia and then travels to London, where he works as a printer and immerses himself in the cultural and intellectual life of the city.
1729
Career
Buys the Pennsylvania Gazette
•Age 23•Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Returning to Philadelphia, Franklin buys the Pennsylvania Gazette, a struggling newspaper, which he transforms into a successful publication through innovative content and marketing strategies.
1737
Career
Postmaster of Philadelphia
•Age 31•Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Franklin is appointed postmaster of Philadelphia, a position that provides him with valuable experience in public service and administration, enhancing his reputation and influence.
1743
Achievement
Founds the American Philosophical Society
•Age 37•Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Franklin establishes the American Philosophical Society, a learned society that promotes scientific and philosophical inquiry, becoming a hub for intellectual exchange in the colonies.
1752
Achievement
Conducts the Lightning Experiment
•Age 46•Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Franklin performs his famous kite experiment during a thunderstorm, proving that lightning is a form of electricity and leading to the invention of the lightning rod.
1764
Career
Sent to England as Colonial Agent
•Age 58•London, England
Franklin is sent to England as a colonial agent to represent Pennsylvania's interests, where he advocates for American rights and becomes deeply involved in the political debates leading up to the Revolution.
1775
Milestone
Serves on the Committee of Five
•Age 69•Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Franklin is appointed to the Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence, contributing significantly to the foundational document of the United States.
1783
Achievement
Signs Treaty of Paris
•Age 77•Paris, France
As one of the American delegates, Franklin signs the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States from Great Britain.
1790
1790-04-17
Death
Death of Benjamin Franklin
•Age 84•Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Benjamin Franklin dies in his home in Philadelphia, surrounded by family. His legacy as a founding father, scientist, and inventor remains unparalleled, influencing generations to come.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Benjamin Franklin a legendary figure.
1
Founding Father of the United States
2
Bifocal glasses
3
Franklin stove
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Cultural & Historical Context
American-Colonial
Personality Traits
Understanding their character helps you have more meaningful conversations.
InnovativeDiplomaticWitty