American Literature Portfolio
Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of
the United States of America. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author and printer,
satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.
As a scientist, he was a major figure in the Enlightenment and the history of physics for his
discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the
Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and the glass 'armonica'. He formed both the first public
lending library in America and first fire department in Pennsylvania. He was an early
proponent of colonial unity, and as a political writer and activist he supported the idea of an
American nation.As a diplomat during the American Revolution he secured the French
alliance that helped to make independence of the United States possible.
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