Meet Benjamin Franklin

Franklin’s Background• Born one of 17 children

• Prosperous merchant, owner of print shop and publisher of The Pennsylvania Gazette by age of 24

Franklin’s Background• Promoted numerous municipal projects:

– Paved streets– Sewer lines– Improved street lighting– Founded Academy of Philadelphia

(University of Pennsylvania) QuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Contribution to Society• Scientist and inventor

-open heating stove-bifocal glasses

-lightning rod and many more..• Always looking for ways for self-

improvement and the improvement of society

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Contribution to Society• Franklin traveled back and forth from

Europe to America

• Helped draft the Declaration of Independence

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Franklin’s Autobiography• Started when he was 65 years old

• Never finished, published after death

• Selection begins w /Franklin’s escape from a secret “indenture” (contract of service), that his brother forced him to sign

Franklin’s Autobiography Continued…

• As a teen, Franklin was apprenticed to his older brother at a Boston newspaper

• Felt he was treated harshly

What is an apprenticeship?• A youth could sign a contract, called an

indenture, obligating him to work for a skilled craftsman for a given number of years in exchange for room, board, and training in his craft.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.