Franklin, Benjamin

Click a letter for the index

Or search the encyclopaedia:

 

 

Go

 

Click images to enlarge
US scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, writer, printer, and publisher. He proved that lightning is a form of electricity, distinguished between positive and negative electricity, and invented the lightning conductor. He was the first US ambassador to France 1776–85, and negotiated peace with Britain in 1783. As a delegate to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania 1785–88, he helped to draft the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. He was president of the first US abolitionist society in 1775 and was responsible for many improvements in American life, including a modernized postal system, and the first US fire and police departments, hospital, and insurance company.

Franklin was born in Boston, the son of a soap and candlemaker, and the 15th of 17 children. After two years at school he was apprenticed to a printer at the age of 12, being self-taught from that time. In 1723, he left Boston for Philadelphia and in 1724 sailed for England, where he worked for 18 months in a printer's office. He returned to Philadelphia in 1726, set up his own printing business, and bought the Pennsylvania Gazette. In 1737, he became deputy postmaster of Philadelphia, and was a member of the colony's legislative body 1751–64. As early as 1754, Franklin was advocating an inter-colonial union to improve the presentation of colonial claims to the British government.

The blue band is lighter than that of the Dutch tricolour. Effective date: 16 August 1972. >>