traits present in history
If there is one trait that is consistently present in all of history that trait would have to be irony. History is full of irony. It is ironic when you consider that Benjamin Franklin's own son was a loyalist. The obvious question that comes to mind is how could Ben Franklin's son become someone who was against the idea of America becoming its own country. The bottom line is this: Benjamin Franklin in the eyes of millions of Americans throughout history has represented all that this country is supposed to be about. Everyone acknowledged Ben's charisma and wisdom when it came to decide what should become of the new nation, everyone that is except for his own son William. To understand Williams objections with his father we must first explore Williams character. Who was William Franklin? And How is it possible that his ideas were so radically different then those of his father? William Franklin may have always had a little animosity towards his father. He resented the fact that his mother was looked upon as a "low women", and that he was in essence a illegitimate child (Skemp 12). He very easily could have blamed his father for this. This anger inside of William could have been enough to scar him for life. Such a sca
When William served as the Royal Governor of New Jersey, he may have felt entitled to share the loyalist point of views because of the threat that he would be removed from office by the monarchy of England (Skemp 89). Unlike his father who worked for no loyalists', Williams livelihood was on the line. There was a lifestyle William was accustomed to living, and losing favor with the British would force him to alter that style of life. William genuinely felt that the United States people were unfit to rule themselves (Skemp 89). He believed that the colonies army was weak and that in order for survival the people of the United States would have to rely heavily on big brother England. William had always America's best interest at mind, the problem was Ben Franklin did too and often times when the two men discussed their America's best interest two conflicting ideas would be present. The story of William and Ben Franklin is probably one of thousands of others. However other stories might be about brothers fighting in opposing armies, or mother and daughter supporting two conflicting groups in war. The significant situation about the Franklins is that they are quite famous, or at least Ben is. When looking at the situation we as a outsiders can get a real feel of what the war was like for everyone. Often times when discussing the Revolutionary war we overlook the fact that not only were the soldiers fighting the British, but there are a select few who have to deal with loved ones or friends who have been deemed the "enemy" by their beliefs. Patriot brothers fought loyalists' brothers right in the American homes. The real war occurred on American soil in the homes of the citizens who have ties with the opposing governments. Not only is that a problem during the war, but after it is a dilemma as well. Do you accept the traitors back into your country depending on who wins the conflict, in this case it would be accepting the loyalists'. Or do you get revenge for the treasonous acts of those who seceded from the colonies and sided with the monarchy of England. For Ben and William Franklin this part proved to be the hardest. After the war had ended Ben and William stopped communicating, William who wouldn't apologize for his part in the war truly upset his father. "Not
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Approximate Word count = 1550
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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