Who Is Benjamin Franklin

A true renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin was an acclaimed inventor, author, political theorist, soldier, diplomat, scientist, and Founding Father to the United States of America. Franklin's contributions to American society are seemingly endless. However, the role he played in constructing the Constitution, aiding in the revolution against Britain and establishing America as a free and unique nation should be enlightened.

Benjamin Franklin stands alone as the only Founding Father to have signed all four historical documents relevant to the creation of a sovereign United States of America: The Declaration of Independence, The Treaty of Alliance, the Treaty of Peace between England, France, and the United States (1782), and the Constitution (1787).

Although Benjamin Franklin played a substantial role in the development of America's Constitution and the establishment of the country, many believe that his greatest achievements were accomplished overseas as a diplomat. During the late 1740s and early 1750s, Franklin quickly shot up the political ranks.

Franklin began as a councilman in 1749, then a Justice of the Peace a year after, and shortly thereafter an assemblyman in 1750. From 1751-1764, Franklin served on the colonial's Legislature and produced weekly publications that focused on everyday matters such as the weather, astrology, science, the importance of philanthropy, and news.

Although he was an overwhelming voice of the people, Benjamin Franklin was rarely boisterous or aggressive towards the British rule. As a result of his numerous contributions, Franklin was widely respected among all world leaders and governments. When the controlling Monarch attempted to unjustly tax American settlers, Franklin did not lead in revolts like his other Founding Fathers, but instead, simply told British leaders that their taxation models were frivolous and would not be followed.

As the British Parliament grew more desperate their actions grew more aggressive. Franklin, through satires and publications, became a leader in unifying the states against British rule. The cartoon of a snake cut into many pieces, which was published by Franklin, became a symbol of America's need to unite and rebel. The severed snake represented a superstition that was not true. Snakes cut into many pieces did not regenerate or come back to life. Settlers adopted this illustration as a reminder of the dangers imposed through separation.

Benjamin Franklin's most critical role in terms of the Constitution and establishment of America came when he convinced the French to join sides with the colonists and fight against the British Army. Without French support, specifically naval aid, the Revolutionary War would have been extended indefinitely and perhaps impossible to have won.

Franklin successfully persuaded the French inclusion in the Revolution by claiming that the British would be too powerful and a global power if they defeated the United States. The French eventually agreed and in addition to fighting alongside colonials, also supplied food and military equipment to the states. Franklin grew popular in France and eventually moved there and acted as a necessary diplomat between the French and Americans.

Franklin's imaginative and ingenious thoughts were viewed as both brilliant and revolutionary among his peers. Blessed with a cunning whit and a brilliant mind, Franklin was quickly seen as the perfect choice to represent Colonial America in its foreign affairs.

When the Constitution was signed Franklin was physically there, but due to illness and old-age, opted to play only a minor role in the creation of thought behind the document. Franklin served as editor to the Amendments, oftentimes delegating tasks to other prominent leaders. Along with inventions and the discovery of electricity, Franklin's contributions were primarily constructed overseas in the form of peace treaties between Britain, France, and the newly established United States of America.

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