Benjamin Franklin biography

Benjamin Franklin: Historical, Educational, and Personal Background

Benjamin Franklin, who was born in Boston on January 17, 1706, was well-known for having a diverse demeanor. In addition to being a key figure in the founding of the United States, he was also a scientist, inventor, printer, writer, diplomat, newspaper proprietor, and philosopher. In his lifetime, he was able to amass a great deal of fame. His signing of the nation's most important founding papers makes him the only founding father known to have done so historically. He was also known as Richard Saunders and Ben Franklin because he was one of the most versatile and skilled individuals of his time. (Kaufman 381). Hence, this research paper aims at highlighting the historical, educational, and personal background of Benjamin Franklin that helped shape him into the influential figure he was. Furthermore, it goes on to assess whether he would have been an effective leader in the contemporary times as well.

Historical Background

Benjamin's father was Josiah Franklin, who was born in England. By profession, Josiah was a candle maker as well as a soap maker (Jeppson 27). He was known to be married twice, and both wives bore him a total of seventeen offspring. Benjamin was born from Josiah's second wife, Abiah Folger, being the eight of the ten children that Abiah gave birth to.

According to historical records, Benjamin was not able to accomplish his education in a proper school. He got the chance of attending Boston Latin School only for two years. After that, he went on to join a private academy for completing his studies, but even that did not last that long. However, this fact did not inhibit his passion to pursue studies. After the age of 12, he became involved in the family business and after that he was made to join his brother's printing shop (Mumford 254). However, whatever money he earned from these jobs, he would save that up for purchasing books and this would be done at the cost of not eating for days. This sacrifice proved his passion and dedication towards researching and discovering new things each day. Without being able to attend classroom, he had sharpened his composition skills by over reading and analyzing various articles and essays and would eventually rewrite them, so that they were engraved in his memory. Later on, this determination allowed him to establish a school, which is now globally known as the University of Pennsylvania (Turns 42).

Personal Characteristics

Being an entirely self-taught person and an avid reader, Benjamin Franklin possessed industry and resilience that cannot be matched. He was willing to go to any lengths to make an impact in the academic world. Once he had self-taught by spending all his money on books and learning essays and articles, he aimed at finding ways to generate his work. Once his brother James was able to found a newspaper called the New England Courant, Benjamin started to secretly send essays as well as commentary under a different identity.

Since his secret identity was that of a widow, his work was not restricted to a single issue. He paid a lot of weight to things related to women like fashion, marriage, as well as their rights and religion. His work had gained so much popularity that people had begun to send marriage proposals to him. However, when he revealed his identity, he faced a lot of hatred and hostility at the hands of his brother. Knowing that he was capable of achieving things far much greater, which would not have been possible if he continued to work under his brother, he moved from Boston to Philadelphia.

Being completely self-established individual automatically induced leadership skills in him. These leadership skills aided him in becoming the influential and talented leader he was, who went on to accomplish greater endeavors. His relationship with his wife kids was cordial for most of the time. He even bore an illegitimate son, William. Initially, they were very close but as time went by their conflict over the American Revolution ruined their relationship. The fight hit such a rock bottom that Benjamin even removed his son his will. But in the face of such a situation, he continued to stick to his political stance, no matter what his family thought. Yes, he lost a son, but he showed the people that no matter what happens, one needs to keep his word and choose the right side.

Contributions to the American Government

His contributions to the American government are quite widespread. He was the sort of person who himself used to own two slaves in his earlier days, but later on realized that those slaves deserved freedom just like everyone else. Hence, this topic gained a lot of popularity in the road towards the American Revolution. He even went on to establish an abolitionist society in Pennsylvania in 1787. By 1790 he had begun to encourage the Congress to grant these slaves freedom from this forced bonded labor. Even though he was not able to achieve anything regarding the abolishment of slavery in his lifetime, later on this point became an integral part of the fundamental principles of the United States.

His inventions have known to play a major role in revolutionizing America. Beginning from wooden hand paddles to scientific inventions like the lightning rod, bifocal glasses as well as a heating stove, Benjamin's inventions made lives much easier. It was during his retirement days that he would dedicate his time to contributing towards public services. His exceptional knowledge and leadership skills allowed him to become a diplomat as well as an ambassador to countries like France and Sweden. Followed by this, he was also a part of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention as well (Newman 164). Additionally, he played an integral role in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and was also titled as being the very first postmaster general of the United States. The postal system that he developed in those days is still in office and is running quite efficiently. It was thanks to his efforts that led to the achievement of the very first profits for the post office.

Conclusion

As best told by historical evidence, Benjamin Franklin was a highly influential and determined leader. His sheer determination towards achieving his goals served to be exemplary for generations to come. The way he addressed issues and stayed adamant on his decision is the type quality that is not present in the modern leaders. Moreover, his ability to develop cordial relationship with France and Sweden to get aid for the American Revolution showed the way leaders should deal with other countries so that reliable and loyal allies are made. If a leader like him emerges today, the political stance of the United States will be at a much higher level.

Works Cited

Jeppson, Patrice L. “Which Benjamin Franklin – Yours or Mine? Examining Responses to a New Story from the Historical Archaeology Site of Franklin Court.” Archaeologies, vol. 2, no. 2, 2006, pp. 24-51.

Kaufman, James C., et al. “Creativity Polymathy: What Benjamin Franklin Can Teach Your Kindergartener.” Learning and Individual Differences, vol. 20, no. 4, 2010, pp. 380-387.

Mumford, Michael D. "Social Innovation: Ten Cases from Benjamin Franklin.” Creativity research journal, vol. 14, no. 2, 2002, pp. 253-266.

Newman, Simon P. “Benjamin Franklin and the Leather-Apron Men: The Politics of Class in Eighteenth-Century Philadelphia.” Journal of American Studies, vol. 43, no. 2, 2009, pp. 161-175.

Turns, Benjamin Franklin. “Benjamin Franklin and Lightning Rods.” Physics Today, vol. 59, no. 1, 2006, p. 42.