Name:
Name: Jorge HernandezDate: October 8, 2014Class and Section:
HIST 1301 MH1History 1301 - Video Quiz - Benjamin Franklin: Citizen
of the World
Instructor: Laura L. Ramirez Cruz
Video Summary: He was America's ambassador to the world --- a
unique individual who came to symbolize the inventiveness and
industriousness of an entire nation. Benjamin's fascinating and
diverse accomplishments defined him as a Renaissance man who will
be forever enshrined in America's pantheon of heroes. He discovered
electricity, invented the fuel-efficient Franklin Stove, and
authored the still popular Poor Richard's Almanac. Most
importantly, he offered wise leadership as a member of the
Continental Congress and ambassador to France during the youthful
nation's tumultuous drive toward freedom.
1. Benjamin Franklin is considered by many to be a man of
science and letters --- a diplomat, inventor, printer, publisher,
poet, and philosopher. What do you consider his biggest role in
American history? Explain your choice.
I think his biggest role was being a inventor. Benjamin Franklin
had many inventions that helped made life easier. He figured out
how to store electricity and he also invented the lightning rod!
The first reason is that it attracted lighting so that the bolt
would not hit another building and cause a fire.
2. One of this country's most popular books, even today, is Poor
Richard's Almanac. Why do you think that an almanac, published
annually, would be so popular?
The Poor Richards Almanac popular because, other than the Bible,
Poor Richards Almanac was the only reading material that colonists
had. What made this almanac stand out from others was his proverbs,
parables, and illustrations that he would fill blank spaces with.3.
Some of Benjamin Franklin's most significant contributions to
American society include the creation of local fire and police
departments, the development of community hospitals, and the
founding of public universities such as The University of
Pennsylvania. Of all of these public institutions, which do you
feel is most important? Explain your answer.
To me his most important contribution is the development of
community hospitals. Community hospitals help increase the life
expectancy of the communities near it. 4. In the 1740's, Benjamin
Franklin began his groundbreaking work focusing on experiments
dealing with electricity. He began the work that would establish
the scientific laws by which electricity is conducted, stored, and
utilized. How significant would you rate this work in relationship
to Franklin's other accomplishments?
I believe that his experiments with electricity are almost up
there with becoming president. Without these discoveries who knows
how different life would be. We might not have the electronics we
know and love today.5. Where Benjamin Franklin died at the age of
eighty-four, he was mourned in France to a much larger extent than
he was mourned in the United States. Why do you think this is true?
As a great American, should he have been treated differently upon
his death? Explain your answer.
The French embraced Franklin because of his humble style of
clothing and his amazing intellect. His love of laughter and desire
to amuse contributed to his reception in Paris. After his nine
years in France he became a beloved resident of Passy. Its even
said that when he left Passy, it seemed as if the village has lost
its patriarch. 13
