Benjamin Franklin (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Notes
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Introduction
Benjamin Franklin emerged as one of the most influential figures in British America during the period 1742-64. He embodied the ideals of the Enlightenment by successfully combining philosophical thinking with practical scientific advances, making him a bridge between intellectual theory and real-world application.
Franklin's unique ability to merge theory with practice made him a quintessential Enlightenment figure, influencing not just intellectual circles but everyday colonial life through his practical inventions and civic contributions.
Early life and career
Franklin's journey began in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was born in 1706, though he would spend the majority of his adult life contributing to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, until his death in 1790. His early career as a printer provided him with the skills and connections that would later enable him to retire comfortably by 1748, having accumulated sufficient wealth to pursue his broader intellectual and civic interests.
From 1736 onwards, Franklin took on an increasingly important political role when he was appointed as clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly. His political influence grew significantly when he secured election as an Assembly member every year from 1751 until 1764, demonstrating his sustained popularity and effectiveness as a representative.
Franklin's printing career was not just a profession but a strategic foundation that provided him with both financial independence and extensive networks throughout the colonies, enabling his later pursuits in science, politics, and philanthropy.
Franklin's literary contributions
Franklin's impact as a writer cannot be overstated, as he produced an enormous volume of written work including essays, stories, pamphlets, newspaper articles, proverbs, and poetry. His writing served as a crucial vehicle for sharing his ideas and observations about society, science, and human nature.
His most significant publishing achievement came in 1729 when he became editor of The Pennsylvania Gazette, which grew to become the most widely read newspaper throughout British America. This platform allowed Franklin to influence public opinion and share information across the colonies on an unprecedented scale.
Franklin also achieved lasting fame through his publication of Poor Richard's Almanack, which he produced in multiple editions. This practical guide combined useful information with entertaining proverbs and poems, making knowledge accessible to ordinary colonial readers and helping to spread Enlightenment ideas to a broader audience.
The Pennsylvania Gazette's widespread circulation gave Franklin enormous influence over public opinion throughout the colonies, making him one of America's first media moguls and allowing him to shape colonial discourse on critical issues.
Franklin as a scientist and intellectual
Franklin's scientific pursuits led to groundbreaking discoveries and inventions that had practical applications for colonial life. His experiments with electricity resulted in the invention of the lightning rod, which provided crucial protection for buildings during thunderstorms. Additionally, he developed bifocal glasses, which helped people with poor eyesight see clearly at both near and far distances.
Beyond his individual scientific work, Franklin played a vital role in fostering intellectual community. In 1743, he established the American Philosophical Society, which created a network for people to share and discuss their theories through letters and meetings across British America. Franklin also documented and published his scientific discoveries and theories, inspiring others to pursue scientific investigation and contributing to the broader scientific knowledge of the period.
Practical Impact of Franklin's Inventions:
Lightning Rod (1740s): Protected colonial buildings from fire damage during thunderstorms, saving countless structures and lives across America.
Bifocal Glasses (1784): Combined distance and reading lenses in one pair of glasses, allowing people with presbyopia to see clearly at all distances without switching between multiple pairs.
These inventions demonstrate Franklin's commitment to applying scientific knowledge to solve everyday problems faced by colonists.
Franklin's establishment of the American Philosophical Society created America's first formal scientific network, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing that would prove crucial for the intellectual development of the colonies.
Franklin's philanthropic work
Franklin demonstrated his commitment to improving society through extensive philanthropic efforts that addressed three key areas of community need.
Community safety and infrastructure
In 1736, Franklin founded the Union Fire Company to provide fire insurance and information about tackling fires effectively. He also initiated schemes to enhance street paving, cleaning, and lighting, directly improving the daily lives of Philadelphia residents.
Franklin's approach to community safety was characteristically practical - rather than simply identifying problems, he created systematic solutions that could be replicated and sustained by the community itself.
Education and knowledge sharing
Franklin revolutionised access to education and information by establishing the first subscription library in Philadelphia in 1731. This library was stocked with Enlightenment works specifically chosen to encourage the spread of new ideas. His educational initiatives culminated in helping to establish the University of Pennsylvania between 1751-55, creating a curriculum that covered a wide range of subjects and making higher education more accessible.
Healthcare and social support
Franklin founded Philadelphia's city hospital in 1751 to provide medical treatment for those who could not afford to pay for healthcare. He also collaborated with Dr Bray Associates from 1760 onwards, working to improve educational opportunities specifically for black people, demonstrating his commitment to social justice.
Franklin's philanthropic philosophy centred on creating sustainable institutions rather than temporary charitable efforts. Each organisation he founded was designed to continue serving the community long after his involvement ended.
Political representation and disappointment
Franklin's later political career included a significant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to improve colonial representation. Between 1757-74, he served as colonial representative for Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. However, his efforts to negotiate better terms with the British government failed, leading to his eventual transformation into a passionate supporter of American independence and one of the founding fathers of the United States of America.
Franklin's failed diplomatic efforts with Britain (1757-74) represent a crucial turning point - his transformation from a loyal British subject seeking reform to a revolutionary advocating for independence shaped the course of American history.
Timeline of key events
- 1706: Born in Boston, Massachusetts
- 1729: Became editor of The Pennsylvania Gazette
- 1731: Established Philadelphia's first subscription library
- 1736: Founded Union Fire Company; became clerk of Pennsylvania Assembly
- 1743: Founded American Philosophical Society
- 1748: Retired from printing with sufficient wealth
- 1751-55: Helped establish University of Pennsylvania
- 1751: Founded Philadelphia's city hospital; elected to Pennsylvania Assembly (continued annually until 1764)
- 1757-74: Served as colonial representative, attempting negotiations with British government
- 1760: Began work with Dr Bray Associates for black education
- 1790: Died in Philadelphia
Key Points to Remember:
- Franklin embodied Enlightenment ideals by combining scientific discovery with practical applications that improved daily life
- His three main roles - writer, intellectual, and philanthropist - all contributed to spreading knowledge and improving colonial society
- The Pennsylvania Gazette became the most widely read newspaper in British America, giving Franklin enormous influence over public opinion
- His scientific inventions like the lightning rod and bifocal glasses solved real problems faced by colonists
- Franklin's philanthropic efforts created lasting institutions including America's first subscription library, fire company, city hospital, and what became the University of Pennsylvania
- His failed attempts at colonial representation (1757-74) ultimately led him to support American independence