Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father and Inventor
Benjamin Franklin was a U.S. diplomat, inventor, writer, and founding father. Learn about his many accomplishments and why he matters.
What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for? Benjamin Franklin is famous for many things. For the citizenship test, acceptable answers include: U.S. diplomat, oldest member of the Constitutional Convention, first Postmaster General of the United States, writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” or started the first free libraries. Franklin was also a famous inventor (bifocals, lightning rod, Franklin stove) and scientist who studied electricity.
Franklin lived from 1706 to 1790, making him the oldest of America’s founding fathers. His long life spanned the colonial era, the Revolution, and the early years of independence. He contributed to American founding in countless ways, earning recognition as one of the most accomplished Americans in history.
The Essential Facts
For the citizenship test, you should know at least one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for. Good answers include:
U.S. Diplomat: Franklin served as diplomat to France during the Revolutionary War, securing crucial French support for American independence. He negotiated the Treaty of Paris (1783) that ended the war.
Oldest Member of Constitutional Convention: At age 81 in 1787, Franklin was the oldest delegate. His presence and wisdom helped the Convention succeed.
First Postmaster General: Franklin organized the colonial postal system and became the first Postmaster General under the Continental Congress.
Writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanack”: Franklin wrote this popular annual publication from 1732 to 1758, filled with weather predictions, practical advice, and memorable sayings.
Started First Free Libraries: Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, America’s first lending library, making books available to ordinary citizens.
Any of these answers are correct for the citizenship test. Choose the one easiest for you to remember.
Franklin’s Many Accomplishments
Benjamin Franklin achieved remarkable success in multiple fields:
Science and Invention
Electricity Studies: Franklin conducted famous experiments with electricity, including flying a kite in a thunderstorm to prove lightning is electrical. This was extremely dangerous but revealed important scientific principles.
Lightning Rod: Franklin invented the lightning rod, which protects buildings from lightning strikes. This invention has saved countless buildings and lives worldwide.
Bifocals: Franklin invented bifocal glasses, combining distance and reading lenses in one pair of glasses. He needed them as he aged and wanted vision correction for both far and near.
Franklin Stove: He designed an efficient heating stove that used less fuel and produced more heat than traditional fireplaces. He refused to patent it, wanting everyone to benefit.
Gulf Stream Mapping: Franklin studied and mapped the Gulf Stream ocean current, improving ship navigation between America and Europe.
Franklin approached science practically, seeking useful applications rather than pure theory. His inventions solved real problems people faced daily.
Writing and Publishing
Poor Richard’s Almanack: Franklin published this annual almanac for 25 years. It contained weather forecasts, agricultural advice, poems, and memorable sayings like “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” and “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Pennsylvania Gazette: Franklin owned and published this influential newspaper, making it one of the colonies’ most successful publications.
Autobiography: Franklin’s autobiography is one of the great American books, telling his life story from poor beginnings to international fame. It established the American ideal of self-improvement and success through hard work.
Political Writings: Franklin wrote numerous essays and articles about politics, economics, and society. His wit and wisdom made complex ideas accessible to ordinary readers.
Franklin’s writing style was clear, practical, and often humorous. He communicated effectively with both educated elites and common people.
Public Service and Civic Projects
Library Company of Philadelphia: Franklin founded America’s first lending library in 1731, believing education should be accessible to all.
Fire Department: Franklin organized Philadelphia’s first fire department in 1736, establishing volunteer fire companies that protected the city.
University of Pennsylvania: Franklin helped found what became the University of Pennsylvania, one of America’s great universities.
Hospital: Franklin helped establish Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751, America’s first hospital.
Postal System: Franklin served as colonial Postmaster General, improving mail delivery throughout the colonies. His efficient system facilitated communication and commerce.
These civic accomplishments improved daily life in Philadelphia and created models other cities copied.
Diplomatic Service
Albany Plan of Union (1754): Franklin proposed this early plan for colonial unity. Though not adopted, it influenced later American union.
Agent in London: Franklin represented colonial interests in London before the Revolution, arguing against British taxes and policies.
Mission to France (1776-1785): Franklin’s greatest diplomatic achievement. He secured French recognition of American independence, negotiated loans and military support, and became enormously popular in France. French support was crucial to American victory.
Treaty of Paris (1783): Franklin negotiated this treaty ending the Revolutionary War, securing favorable terms for the United States.
Franklin’s charm, intelligence, and reputation made him an effective diplomat. The French especially loved him, seeing him as embodying Enlightenment values.
Constitutional Convention
At age 81, Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. His presence added credibility to the proceedings. Though he did not speak frequently due to age and health, when he did speak, delegates listened.
Franklin’s most important contribution was promoting compromise. When the Convention deadlocked over representation, Franklin supported the Connecticut Compromise giving states equal Senate representation but proportional House representation. This compromise saved the Convention.
On the final day, Franklin gave a famous speech urging all delegates to sign the Constitution despite reservations. He said: “I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best.” His support encouraged others to sign.
Franklin’s Character and Philosophy
Franklin believed in practical wisdom, self-improvement, and public service:
Self-Made Success: Franklin rose from poverty to wealth through hard work, intelligence, and opportunity. He embodied the American ideal that anyone could succeed through merit.
Continuous Learning: Franklin educated himself, reading constantly and learning from experience. He never attended college but became one of the era’s most learned men.
Public Spirit: Franklin consistently worked for public benefit, founding institutions and promoting policies that helped others. He believed successful people should serve their communities.
Practical Focus: Franklin cared about results. His inventions solved real problems. His civic projects addressed actual needs. His diplomacy achieved concrete goals.
Religious Toleration: Though not strictly religious himself, Franklin supported religious freedom and worked with people of all faiths.
Humor and Wisdom: Franklin’s wit made him popular and effective. He could criticize without offending and teach without preaching.
Franklin’s personality combined ambition with humility, confidence with curiosity, and achievement with generosity.
Franklin and Slavery
Franklin’s relationship with slavery evolved. He owned enslaved people in his youth and printed advertisements for slave sales in his newspaper. But he gradually became opposed to slavery, freeing his slaves and becoming president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society late in life.
In 1790, shortly before his death, Franklin signed a petition to Congress calling for abolition of slavery. This was one of his final public acts. His evolving views on slavery show both his capacity for moral growth and the contradictions within founding-generation Americans.
Historical Impact
Franklin’s influence extended beyond his lifetime:
Scientific Method: Franklin’s electrical experiments helped establish experimental physics in America. His practical approach to science influenced American scientific culture.
Self-Help Tradition: Franklin’s autobiography established the American tradition of self-improvement literature. His emphasis on hard work, frugality, and self-education influenced generations.
Public Libraries: Franklin’s library founding inspired the public library movement. Today, libraries exist in nearly every American community, realizing Franklin’s vision of accessible education.
Postal System: Franklin’s postal innovations created infrastructure that unified the colonies and later the nation. Reliable mail service facilitated commerce and communication.
French Alliance: Franklin’s diplomacy securing French support was essential to American victory. Without French aid, the Revolution likely would have failed.
Constitutional Compromise: Franklin’s promotion of compromise helped the Constitutional Convention succeed. His wisdom guided delegates through difficult moments.
Why Franklin Matters Today
Franklin remains relevant because his values and achievements still resonate:
Self-Improvement: Franklin’s belief that people can better themselves through effort and learning remains central to American identity.
Practical Problem-Solving: Franklin’s focus on solving real problems through innovation is quintessentially American.
Public Service: Franklin’s example of successful people serving their communities influences modern philanthropy and civic engagement.
Scientific Curiosity: Franklin’s experimental approach and practical applications of science reflect American pragmatism.
Compromise and Unity: Franklin’s ability to find common ground and promote compromise offers lessons for modern political divisions.
Connections That Matter
Understanding Benjamin Franklin connects to American founding. His diplomatic work secured independence, his civic projects built American institutions, and his presence at the Constitutional Convention added credibility.
Franklin relates to American values of self-improvement, practical innovation, and public service. His life story embodies the American dream of rising from poverty to success through merit.
Franklin also connects to Enlightenment thought. His scientific work, religious toleration, and faith in human progress reflected Enlightenment ideals that shaped American founding principles.
For more on the founding era, see our articles on the Constitution and other founding fathers in the uscis-questions category. To understand Franklin’s diplomatic work, read about the Revolutionary War and the Treaty of Paris. To learn about other founders, explore our civic leaders section.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say for the citizenship test?
Any of these: U.S. diplomat, oldest member of Constitutional Convention, first Postmaster General, writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” or started first free libraries. Choose one that’s easy to remember.
Did Franklin really fly a kite in a thunderstorm?
Yes, in 1752. This was extremely dangerous and could have killed him. He was lucky to survive. The experiment proved lightning is electrical but should never be attempted by others.
Why didn’t Franklin become president?
He was too old. By the time Washington became president in 1789, Franklin was 83 and in poor health. He died in 1790. Age prevented him from seeking the presidency.
What was Franklin’s education?
Limited formal schooling, ending at age 10. Franklin was largely self-educated, learning through reading, apprenticeship, and experience. His lack of formal education didn’t prevent intellectual achievement.
How did Franklin make his money?
Printing and publishing. His printing business and Pennsylvania Gazette were very successful. He retired from business at 42 to pursue science, public service, and politics.
Was Franklin married?
Yes, to Deborah Read Franklin. They married in 1730 and remained married until her death in 1774. They had two children together, and Franklin had another son from before the marriage.
Why is Franklin on the $100 bill?
His importance as founding father, diplomat, scientist, and inventor. The $100 bill features Franklin’s image, making him the only non-president on current U.S. paper currency.
Did Franklin sign all three founding documents?
Almost. He signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He did not sign the Articles of Confederation because he was in France at the time. Only six people signed both the Declaration and Constitution; Franklin was one.
What languages did Franklin speak?
English primarily. He learned French later in life for his diplomatic mission. He also knew some Latin, Italian, and Spanish. His French improved significantly during his years in France.
What should I memorize for the citizenship test?
Benjamin Franklin was a U.S. diplomat, founding father, inventor, writer, and civic leader. Know at least one thing he’s famous for: diplomat, Constitutional Convention, Postmaster General, Poor Richard’s Almanack, or starting libraries. Any one answer is sufficient.