Benjamin Franklin was a prominent American statesman, inventor, scientist, and writer who played a crucial role in the founding of the United States. Born in Boston in 1706, Franklin was the fifteenth of seventeen children and received only a basic education before starting his career as an apprentice at his brother's printing shop. However, he was a voracious reader and self-taught himself various subjects such as science, literature, and politics.
Franklin's contributions to American society are numerous and diverse. He is best known for his role as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, having played a key part in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He also served as a diplomat to France during the American Revolution and helped secure crucial support for the young nation.
In addition to his political achievements, Franklin was also a prolific inventor. He is credited with inventing bifocals, lightning rods, and the Franklin stove among other things. His scientific experiments with electricity also earned him international recognition.
Franklin was also an influential writer and publisher. He founded one of America's first newspapers, The Pennsylvania Gazette, and wrote numerous essays on various topics such as politics, economics, and morality.
