Video: Ben Franklin - Citizen of the World

Summary:

BIOGRAPHY presents the life story of Benjamin Franklin and his influence on the American Revolution, scientific discovery, literature, and foreign diplomacy. It combines an overview of Franklin's personal, political and commercial experiences, and how those experiences contributed to Franklin's position as a Founding Father and as an American diplomat abroad, before, during and after the Revolution.

Vocabulary Discussion Questions

  1. Why did Benjamin Franklin personify America to the rest of the world? Would you consider Benjamin Franklin to be an example of an American?

  2. If Benjamin Franklin's parents had been able to send him to college to study for the ministry, how might his life, and the course of events of American history been different?

  3. What was Benjamin Franklin's greatest achievement? Was it related to science, government or literature? Which of his achievements would you consider the most influential in your life today?

  4. What role did Deborah Franklin play in Benjamin Franklin's achievements? How was she different than most women in her era? How was she the same?

  5. What events caused Benjamin Franklin to rethink his position as a British subject and identify himself as a Revolutionary?

  6. How did Benjamin Franklin's scientific experiments help in his role as both an American statesman and a foreign ambassador?

  7. Historians consider Benjamin Franklin to be one of the main architects of American Independence. Would America be different if Benjamin Franklin had never been born?

  8. What role did the Enlightenment have in influencing Benjamin Franklin in particular and the American Revolution in general?

  9. Benjamin Franklin was adored by the French. What made him so popular in that country? Did his personal charm and ability to captivate French royalty and society contribute to the success of the American Revolution?

  10. Benjamin Franklin started his career as a printer's apprentice. Given his curiosity about science and technology, what might he think of the advances made in printing? What might Franklin think of the computer? If Franklin was alive today, what might be his occupation?

Extended Activities

  1. Create a timeline that simultaneously chronicles both Benjamin Franklins life and events in America.

  2. Assume that you are a journalist and your assignment is to write an obituary for Benjamin Franklin. You must limit your article to one page. What accomplishments and events would you include?

  3. Create an almanac for the year 1776. Include a description of the major events of the year as well as daily weather reports and helpful hints for your reader.

  4. Imagine that you are chosen to write a petition for American Independence to present to King George III of England. What reasons would you give for independence?

  5. Create a travel log or diary for Benjamin Franklin's visits to England and France. Try to imagine that you are Franklin and record your thoughts as well as an account of your journeys.