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Benjamin Franklin Influence

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Perhaps, one of the most quotable men in the United States history is Benjamin Franklin. He was a visionary who coined multitudes of aphorisms such as, “Have you something to do tomorrow? Do it today” and “Industry gives comfort and plenty and respect.” However, his talent was not only limited to his ability to make memorable phrases, he was also a pioneer in inventions from the stove to bifocals to the lighting rod. He is a man who has become known as one of the founding fathers of the United States and who, to this day, graces our hundred dollar bills. Ironically enough, this man who has become engraved as an American national treasure was not always a ferment nationalist, and even felt a sense of loyalty toward ‘the mother country’ of England. …show more content…

He was aware of its culture and often looked towards it for influence and knowledge. In fact, when he was beginning out as writer he reads The Spectator, a British newspaper, and as he states, “About this time I met with an odd volume of the Spectator…I thought the writing excellent, and wished, if possible, to imitate it” (Franklin 11). Knowing the influence that writing had on Franklin’s life, his English admiration must have as well. A lot of what made Franklin so successful, his writing, his printing style, his connections, his ideas for a library and countless others; were acquired in his trips to England or in his admiration for the work produced in the country. However, no one can truly blame Franklin as England was a well established nation with thousands of years of history and culture, and in comparison to the young Americas, it was a goldmine of art and …show more content…

He believed that uniting the colonies and England would lead to a stronger nation. Franklin was sure that having the crown, as a mother country, was not an ailment but rather a powerful helping hand for the colonies. In fact, as he and the colonies grew in independence and self-sufficiency, Franklin and other leaders drew up a proposal to ensure their voice in legislation without being free of the power of the English. He states, “By this plan the general government was to be administered by a president-general, appointed and supported by the crown, a grand council was to be chosen by the representative assemblies” (Franklin 102). However, the English rejected the idea and deemed it too “democratic” and although the proposal was not approved, Franklin still held some levels of patriotism towards Britain. Keeping in mind the high regard he held England it is no wonder he was more so inclined around the time of the Seven Years War to fight alongside the British. He was quick to come up with plans on defense and was efficient in acquiring what was needed in terms of money and defense. He worked closed with Generals and Governors, and was an instrumental part of the war. Franklin was sure to solidify his place as an American who was highly regarded by the English and in a sense might have been due to his pursue of

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