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Benjamin Franklin Contributions

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Benjamin Franklin is known for his numerous contributions to society, science, and politics. His works have influenced both America and the entire world so greatly that it’s difficult to find something that wasn’t influenced at least in part by him. He played a massive role in the revolution and the development of the country, pushing for unity amongst the colonies, helping to establish a foundation for the country to build itself on, and holding several political offices. He also was an exemplary citizen, having performed many services to society, which included founding many public organizations, which in turn influenced many others to follow suit. As a result of Franklin’s numerous contributions, he has earned many nicknames. Some of his most prominent nicknames include “the first American” and “the Newton of electricity”. Franklin influence on society is so strong that many of the services we have today wouldn’t have existed if it weren’t for him. Through Franklin’s assistance, the Union Fire Company was founded. This very early volunteer fire department was created in order to bring attention to the need to implement better methods of dealing with fires. This creation of this fire department inspired many others to establish additional fire departments. He is also known for founding the Pennsylvania Hospital, the first public hospital in the country. Franklin also emphasized the importance of the education of youth. In order to promote this belief, he co-founded the Academy of Philadelphia, now known as the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to this, he had also founded the Library Company of Philadelphia. Franklin was determined to make books, which were very expensive at the time, available to the common person. In the years following this, many other cities opened their own libraries. Another part of this endeavor was publishing the Poor Richard’s Almanack, an incredibly popular almanac that included, in addition to a calendar, weather forecasts, and other things a standard almanac would contain, small entertainments, such as pieces of advice, puzzles, trivia, and more. He published his almanac using the alias of Richard Saunders, the “Poor Richard” in the title. This was one of Franklin’s most

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