April 17, America Loses One of Its Most Inventive Minds

[IChing]

Benjamin Franklin

(January 17 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the best-known Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leading author, political theorist, politician, printer, scientist, inventor, civic activist, and diplomat. As a scientist he was a major figure in the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As a political writer and activist he, more than anyone, invented the idea of an American nation,<1> and as a diplomat during the American Revolution, he secured the French alliance that helped to make independence possible.

Franklin was noted for his curiosity, his writings (popular, political and scientific), and his diversity of interests. As a leader of the Enlightenment, he gained the recognition of scientists and intellectuals across Europe. An agent in London before the Revolution, and Minister to France during it, he more than anyone defined the new nation in the minds of Europe. His success in securing French military and financial aid was a great contributor to the American victory over Britain. He invented the lightning rod; he was an early proponent of colonial unity; historians hail him as the "First American."

Franklin retained a lifelong interest in science but the events of the day moved him inexorably toward the politics of revolution.

When Franklin died in 1790 at the age of 84, more than 20,000 people attended the funeral.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

1. I saw the Franklin exhibit in Houston in January.

I've always been a fan, not least because we share a birthday.

But looking at all the stuff he did, and his incessant writing telling everyone how they should act, and all the things he made his business, I really started seeing him as America's first great tool.

[ShaneGR]

2. HE certainly had his faults... BUT

Franklin was definitely not a perfect man. He was a womanizer, a know it all, some people considered him to be pompous. But one thing is for sure, it can be argued that he was almost solely responsible for the colonies victory in the revolutionary war. Why? Simple, he almost single handedly convinced the French monarchy to back the colonies. Wiothout that support, Cornwallis would have destroyed the Revolutionary army.