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Benjamin Franklin

American polymath and Founding Father

Benjamin Franklin was a leading writer, scientist, inventor, and statesman. He played a key role in the American Revolution, serving as a diplomat and ambassador. Franklin's achievements include inventions like the lightning rod and bifocals, as well as his contributions to the Declaration of Independence. He was also known for his efforts in abolishing slavery and promoting education for African Americans.

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Timeline

Birth of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and inventor of the lightning rod, was born in 1706.

Birth of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, the statesman, publisher, scientist, and diplomat, was born on January 17, 1706.

Birth of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born on this day. He was a renowned polymath, author, printer, political theorist, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.

Birth of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Birth of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

Moved to Philadelphia

Benjamin Franklin moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin founds the Junto, or 'Leathern Apron' Club

Benjamin Franklin founds the Junto, also known as the 'Leathern Apron' Club.

Marriage to Deborah Read Rogers

On September 1st, 1730, Benjamin Franklin takes Deborah Read Rogers as his common law wife.

Drew up the Library Company's Articles of Association

On July 1st, 1731, Benjamin Franklin draws up the Library Company's articles of association, establishing the first lending library in the country.

Publishes First Edition of 'Poor Richard's Almanack'

On December 28, 1732, Benjamin Franklin publishes the first edition of 'Poor Richard's Almanack'.

Appointment as Clerk of the PA Assembly

Benjamin Franklin is named Clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly. He also prints currency for New Jersey, organizes the Union Fire Company, and prints 'A Treaty of Friendship held with the Chiefs of the Six Nations at Philadelphia'. This year also marks the first public use of the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall).

Invented the Franklin Stove

In 1740, Benjamin Franklin invented the Franklin stove, a significant contribution to heating technology.

Establishment of the American Philosophical Society

In 1744, Benjamin Franklin establishes the American Philosophical Society.

Death of Josiah Franklin

In 1745, Josiah Franklin, the father of Benjamin Franklin, passes away, marking a significant loss in Benjamin's life.

Publication of 'Plain Truth' Pamphlet and Military Company Formation

Benjamin Franklin publishes a pamphlet called 'Plain Truth' in 1746, emphasizing the necessity for disciplined defense, and also forms a military company. He begins electrical experiments during this time.

Benjamin Franklin's Unofficial Retirement

At the age of 42, Benjamin Franklin became wealthy enough to retire and devoted the remaining 42 years of his life to studying science, devising inventions, and public service.

Publication of Experiments and Observations on Electricity

Benjamin Franklin published Experiments and Observations on Electricity in 1751.

The Kite Experiment

Benjamin Franklin conducted the famous kite experiment in 1752 to prove that lightning is a form of electricity, which significantly contributed to the understanding of electricity and its applications.

Ben Franklin's Kite Experiment

In 1752, Ben Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment, drawing electricity from lightning. This experiment was crucial in understanding the nature of electricity and its connection to lightning.

Awarded the Copley Medal and Elected a Member of the Royal Society

In 1753, Benjamin Franklin was awarded the Copley Medal for his lightning experiment discovery and was elected as a member of the prestigious Royal Society, recognizing his significant scientific achievements.

Join or Die Political Cartoon

The 'Join or Die' political cartoon, created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, is a famous symbol of colonial unity and the need for the colonies to join together for mutual defense.

Support for Braddock's Army and Crown Point Expedition

In 1755, Benjamin Franklin pledged his personal property to raise supplies for Braddock's army. He also obtained a grant from the Assembly for the Crown Point expedition and carried through a bill establishing a voluntary militia. Additionally, he was appointed Colonel and took the field.

Franklin in London

Benjamin Franklin traveled to London in 1757 to represent the interests of the American colonies. His time in London was significant in shaping the future of the United States.

Compromise with Privy Council

Benjamin Franklin secures a decision obliging the Proprietary estates to contribute to the public revenue through a compromise with the Privy Council.

Benjamin Franklin's Glass Armonica Invention

Benjamin Franklin invented the glass armonica, an instrument that replicated the sound of a wet finger rubbed along the rim of a glass. This invention gained considerable popularity and was used by renowned composers like Mozart and Beethoven.

Advocacy for Pennsylvania Assembly

Benjamin Franklin goes to England to plead the cause of the Assembly against the Proprietaries and remains as the agent for Pennsylvania.

Endeavors to prevent the passage of the Stamp Act

Benjamin Franklin makes efforts to prevent the passage of the Stamp Act, which imposed direct taxes on the American colonies. His opposition to this act reflects his involvement in colonial politics and his stance against taxation without representation.

Supporting Repeal of the Stamp Act

Benjamin Franklin presents evidence in the House of Commons in support of the repeal of the Stamp Act, a significant event in the history of colonial taxation and resistance.

Began autobiography

In 1771, Benjamin Franklin started writing his autobiography, which later became a classic and influential work in American literature.

Elected Associe Etranger of the French Academy

In 1772, Benjamin Franklin was elected as an Associe Etranger of the French Academy. This recognition highlighted his intellectual and academic influence beyond the American colonies.

Elected as Pennsylvania Delegate to Second Continental Congress

Benjamin Franklin is elected as a Pennsylvania delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he serves as the chairman of the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, playing a crucial role in the early stages of the American Revolution.

Negotiating Treaty of Alliance with France

In 1778, Benjamin Franklin played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Alliance with France, securing crucial support for the American Revolutionary War and strengthening the relationship between the United States and France.

Letter to Benjamin Franklin

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin on May 16, 1778.

Letter to Benjamin Franklin

A letter addressed to Benjamin Franklin on October 24, 1778.

Appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France

In 1779, Benjamin Franklin was appointed as the Minister Plenipotentiary to France, playing a crucial role in securing French support for the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

Appoints Paul Jones commander of the 'Alliance'

In 1780, Benjamin Franklin appointed Paul Jones as the commander of the 'Alliance', a significant decision that impacted the naval operations during the Revolutionary War.

Correspondence with Benjamin Franklin

Another letter was sent to Benjamin Franklin on May 28, 1781.

Negotiating Peace with Great Britain

In 1782, Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in negotiating peace with Great Britain, marking a significant milestone in ending the American Revolutionary War and establishing diplomatic relations between the United States and Great Britain.

Signing the Treaty of Paris

In 1783, Benjamin Franklin signed the Treaty of Paris, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War and solidifying the United States' independence from Great Britain. He collaborated with John Adams and John Jay as co-signers of the treaty.

Signing of the Constitution of the United States

In 1787, the Constitution of the United States was signed, laying the foundation for the country's governance and legal framework.

Death of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin died at the age of 84. He was a key figure in the founding of public schooling, the money system, religious institutions, and the American government. His contributions are remembered and celebrated.

End of the Timeline
Benjamin Franklin

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