BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HISTORY

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Book review of the book “the Americanization of Benjamin Franklin” by Gordon Woods

Introduction

In the book “the Americanization of Benjamin Franklin,” Gordon Woods explores the life history of Benjamin Franklin from his childhood to his death. He bases his book on the facts little known to people by emphasizing the less typical American traits of Franklin such as his bias to the British rule. In the place of a self- improver, noble and liberal man; Gordon Wood introduces a much more complex and ambiguous side of Benjamin Franklin. However, the book reveals the key importance of Benjamin Franklin in the revolution hence branding him the tag, “the first American”.

Life history of Benjamin Franklin

Early years

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on 17^th January 1706 and was raised by his father Josiah Franklin and mother Abiah Folger. At the age of ten, Franklin was forced to leave formal education and join his father in the candle and soap making business. However, he showed little passion to the business.

At the age of 12, his father apprenticed him to his brother, James’, printing firm. Since he was a good learner, he could fluently write articles at the age of 16 under the pseudonym ‘Silence Dogood’. At 17, he settled to Philadelphia after running away from home on his way to New York and found a printing job. Later in the years, Benjamin Franklin travelled to London and worked in a printing firm.

Benjamin Franklin as a Printer and publisher

In 1926, Benjamin Franklin returned to Philadelphia and started his own printing firm. Here, he dealt with publishing of books, pamphlets, Pennsylvania Gazette, etc. His success and fame came after publishing “poor Richards’ almanac” between 1733 and 1758.

Social life

In 1730, He married Deborah Reed as his common law wife after her husband disappeared because of stealing a slave. Franklin and Reed had a son Francis who died at the age of 4 because of small pox. Also, they had a daughter Sarah and another son William who was born out of wedlock.

Scientist and inventor

Franklin had a long term interest in science especially in the field of electricity. In 1940’s, his retirement allowed him to focus more in scientific experiments hence he invented a lightning rod that protected buildings from fires caused by lightning. One of his famous experiments is the kite experiment that was used to demonstrate that lightening is indeed electricity. Through his works, he added some vocabularies like battery, charge and conductors in the science world.

Among his inventions are: the Franklin stove that allowed the conservation of energy; the bifocal eye glasses; and a musical instrument called Armonica.

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American Revolution

Benjamin Franklin formed the way for the creation of the article of confederation by proposing the formation of a national congress for the colonies in 1766. Though his suggestion was rejected, it opened up the minds of the citizens for the struggle for a more independent America.

As a foreign diplomat in England; Franklin represented New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Georgia. However, he continued to support the colonial union hence supported the repeal of the stamp act.

After the revolutionary war, he returned to Philadelphia in 1775 where he was part of the five member team that helped to draft the declaration of independence in which 13 American colonies were set free from the British rule. Also, due to his efforts, the French signed a military alliance with America and went to provide soldiers, supplies and money that proved critical to America’s victory in war. He was also important in the drafting of the treaty of Paris that ended the revolutionary war.

Later years

At age 81, he was a delegate in the constitutional convention that drafted the new constitution. He advocated for the support of the new document that was later ratified by the nine states hence making George Washington the first president of the United States. He died in 1790 leaving money that was used to fund schools, scholarship programs, Boston museum and other community projects.

Why Benjamin Franklin became such an American character

Passion for his country

Benjamin Franklin had a great passion for his country. Through his selfless nature, he fully participated in the revolutionary war that helped America to become a self governed country. His passion can be clearly seen when he participates in the drafting of the new constitution at the age of 81.

Ability to rise from a humble background

Despite coming from a modest family, Franklin was able to defy all odds and become an important person in the society. He was able to write articles of the newspaper even though he dropped out of school at the age of ten. These acts of heroism shown by Franklin propelled him to become an important American figure.

Scientific inventions

Benjamin Franklin had a passion for science hence he was able to come up with many scientific experiments that have become relevant up to today. For example, his invention of the lightning rod was very helpful in preventing houses from catching fire. In addition, he also invented the Franklin stove paved way for other modifications for energy saving. Through his inventions, he challenged students to pursue science and other related fields so that they can be of help to the society.

Early retirement to give back to the society

In his forties, Benjamin Franklin retired from managing his printing business and started giving back to the society. He was able to participate in national forums and made matters of national interest his business; hence contributing to the success of America.

Educated the public

Through his works in the almanac, he was able to challenge most Americans to be self dependant thus coining expressions such as “a penny saved is a penny earned” (Wood, 22). In addition, he advocated for the American states to print their own money hence advocating for self governance. Through his works, he contributed to the success of capitalism.

At that time, Americans suffered from inferiority complex since the motherland Britain controlled everything. Franklin, through his published articles, was able to challenge the people of America to go to schools, to develop their own technology, and to believe that they can do better. Through his works, the journey to the American dream was officially started.

Development projects

Benjamin Franklin was able to start various projects that helped the society. He started a university, a fire station, schools and the world’s first library that was the best until 1850’s. Upon his death, his fortune kept helping the less privileged people hence portraying the true spirit of America.

Evaluation of the book

Even though the book tells some true facts about the life and ideologies of Benjamin Franklin, it has concentrated much on his bad side than his good side. It questions some of Franklin’s unrealistic decisions, for example, his tolerance towards the British rule. However, Gordon finally agrees that the actions of Benjamin Franklin were important in ending the revolutionary war hence liberating the colonies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin played an important role in bringing liberty for the American people. Right from childhood, his history shows a man of courage, ambition and love for his country. Though he never finished school, he was able to motivate the American people to be self- reliant, hardworking and have the American dream. Due to his contributions to the society, he became an important public figure; a situation which earned him a chance to participate in the writing of both the declaration of independences and the United States constitution. Even though some analysts claim that his participation are overrated; Benjamin Franklin is indeed an icon a true American.

References

Wood, Gordon. Americanization of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Penguin group publishers. 2005. Print