Simone Lawson
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played a significant role in shaping the U.S. Constitution. He was a champion of the freedoms embodied in the First Amendment, particularly freedom of the press, and contributed to the fight for American independence. As the oldest delegate at 81, Franklin attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where his conciliatory approach helped forge the Great Compromise, addressing state representation. Franklin's wisdom and experience were pivotal in navigating contentious issues, and his influential speech encouraged delegates to accept the Constitution as a collective achievement. Despite his waning health, Franklin witnessed the Constitution's enactment in 1789, leaving a lasting legacy in the foundation of the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age when he attended the Constitutional Convention | 81 |
| His role | Served as an arbitrator between warring factions within the convention |
| His skills | Tolerance and respect for pluralism, believed to be the core of democracy |
| Achievements | Founding Father, helped shape the U.S. Constitution, lifetime champion of the First Amendment freedoms, particularly freedom of the press |
| Proposal | That the delegates should begin each day at prayer |
| His last public service | At the Constitutional Convention, where he was respected and admired |
| His plan | A government for a united colonial confederation |
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What You'll Learn
Franklin's role as an arbitrator
Benjamin Franklin played a significant role in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation. At 81, Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and his presence and contributions were of great importance.
Franklin often served as an arbitrator between opposing factions within the convention. His skill in this role was noted by Walter Isaacson, who wrote a bestselling biography of Franklin: "The most important thing he brings to our time is his tolerance and respect for pluralism that he believed was the core of democracy. He was always looking for common ground." Franklin's ability to find common ground was crucial in navigating the contentious issues debated during the convention, such as state representation and slavery.
Franklin's conciliatory voice was instrumental in hammering out the "Great Compromise," which addressed the conflicting interests of large and small states. He proposed that representation be granted based on population in the House of Representatives, while the Senate would provide equal representation for all states. This compromise was a significant step towards solidifying the union and addressing the concerns of both sides.
Franklin's wisdom and experience were respected by his fellow delegates, and he was successful in delivering an influential speech urging them to accept the Constitution as the best collective effort. Despite his failing health, Franklin's commitment to public service and his belief in a general government necessary for the nation persevered. He signed the Constitution, acknowledging its faults but expressing his optimism that it would astonish their enemies and bring about a better government.
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The Great Compromise
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played a significant role in shaping the U.S. Constitution. At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin, as the oldest delegate at 81, was a voice of conciliation, helping to forge the landmark "Great Compromise."
The compromise solidified elements of both the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan, proposed by Edmund Randolph, advocated for a bicameral legislature with membership in both houses allocated to each state proportional to its population. Candidates for the lower house would be nominated and elected by the people of each state, while candidates for the upper house would be nominated by state legislatures. The New Jersey Plan, on the other hand, proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.
Franklin played a pivotal role in facilitating this compromise. When an impasse threatened to derail the Constitutional Convention, he worked to find common ground and appealed for compromise among the delegates. Franklin's conciliatory efforts, combined with his influential speech urging delegates to accept the document as the best that could be crafted, contributed significantly to the eventual agreement on the Great Compromise and the shaping of the U.S. Constitution.
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Freedom of the press
Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States and played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was a strong advocate for freedom of the press and free speech, values that would later be enshrined in the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and apprenticed at a young age to his older brother James, who published the Colonies' first independent newspaper, the New England Courant. Franklin's keen intellect and interest in reading led him to adopt the pseudonym "Silence Dogood", a middle-aged widow, whose letters were published in the newspaper without James's knowledge. When his brother was jailed for publishing material critical of the Massachusetts government, Franklin took over the newspaper and published Cato's "Essay on Free Speech", proclaiming:
> "Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom, and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech."
Franklin's support for freedom of the press continued throughout his life. He founded the University of Pennsylvania, where he believed that open expression and diverse ideas were essential. He also published Poor Richard's Almanack under the pseudonym Richard Saunders, providing a wide range of information, including news, advice, and proverbs. Franklin's respect for religious freedom and tolerance, influenced by his Puritan background, further underscored his commitment to freedom of the press.
Franklin's contributions to the US Constitution were significant. He was the oldest signer of the Constitution and played a crucial role in convincing delegates to accept and sign the document. In his speeches, he optimistically professed his belief in the potential of the new nation. Franklin's writings and quotes, such as his famous proverb, "a penny saved is a penny earned", further emphasised his support for freedom of the press and free speech.
In summary, Benjamin Franklin's lifelong advocacy for freedom of the press and free speech was a key contribution to the US Constitution and the foundation of the United States. His beliefs shaped the nation's commitment to open expression and the protection of these fundamental freedoms in the First Amendment.
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Franklin's advanced age
Benjamin Franklin lived long enough to see the United States Constitution come into effect in 1789, but his advanced age meant that his health was poor, and he rarely left his house in his final year. He died in 1790, aged 84.
Franklin was 81 when he attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787 as the oldest delegate. He was well-liked and played a crucial role in forging a compromise between opposing factions. His advanced age and experience meant that he brought a seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of the Constitution.
Despite his age, Franklin's influence at the convention was significant. He was a conciliatory voice, helping to hammer out the "Great Compromise", which balanced representation in the House and Senate to satisfy large and small states. Franklin's proposal for the convention to begin each day with prayer was not successful, but he did deliver an influential speech at the end of the convention, urging delegates to accept the document as the best that could be achieved.
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Franklin's influence in France
Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston, Massachusetts, was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was also instrumental in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation. Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and his conciliatory voice helped forge the "Great Compromise," balancing representation in the House and Senate.
Now, moving on to the main focus of your query, here is some detailed information about Franklin's influence in France:
Franklin was dispatched to France as a commissioner for the United States in 1776. He remained in France until 1785 and successfully conducted affairs between the two nations. One of his notable achievements during this period was securing a critical military alliance with France in 1778, which was crucial for the American Revolution. Franklin also signed the Treaty of Alliance with France that year, further strengthening their relationship. Franklin's associates in France included influential figures such as Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, a renowned French Revolutionary writer, orator, and statesman.
Franklin's time in France also overlapped with his work on the U.S. Constitution. While in France, he was one of the Pennsylvania delegates to the second Continental Congress in 1775, and his plan for a united colonial confederation was presented in Congress. Franklin's international experience and connections undoubtedly influenced his contributions to the Constitution and his understanding of governance.
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Frequently asked questions
Benjamin Franklin was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was the oldest delegate, aged 81, and helped negotiate the "Great Compromise", which balanced the needs of large and small states. Franklin also gave a speech urging delegates to accept the document, and closed the convention with a conciliatory address.
Franklin believed that a general government was necessary for the people, and that the US Constitution was likely to be well-administered for a course of years. He also thought that the document approached perfection and would astonish the country's enemies.
Franklin was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman. He founded numerous civic institutions in Philadelphia, including the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, and the University of Pennsylvania. He also helped draft the Declaration of Independence, acted as American Minister to France during the Revolutionary War, and was involved in the Continental Congress.
Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was the oldest signer of the US Constitution, which went into effect in 1789, the year before he died. Over 20,000 people attended his funeral in Philadelphia.
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