Benjamin Franklin
- Born:
- January 17, 1706, Boston, Massachusetts, British America
- Died:
- April 17, 1790, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Statesman, Author, Publisher, Inventor, Diplomat, Scientist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a modest family in Boston.
- Received only two years of formal schooling.
- Apprenticed to his brother James, a printer.
- Developed a love for reading and self-education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established himself as a successful printer and publisher in Philadelphia.
- Founded the Library Company of Philadelphia.
- Published Poor Richard's Almanack.
- Played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.
- Served as a diplomat to France, securing crucial support for the American cause.
- Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
- Served as Governor of Pennsylvania.
Notable Works
- Poor Richard's Almanack
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- Numerous essays and pamphlets on a wide range of subjects.
Scientific Contributions and Inventions
- Experiments with electricity, including the famous kite experiment.
- Invention of the lightning rod.
- Invention of bifocals.
- Contributions to the understanding of ocean currents.
- Franklin stove.
Legacy and Impact
Benjamin Franklin was a polymath whose contributions spanned diverse fields. His influence on American history, politics, science, and culture is profound and enduring. Readers interested in a comprehensive understanding of his life can explore a benjamin franklin biography amazon might offer.