Franklin's Importance to the Revolution
When thinking of Benjamin Franklin, it is difficult to imagine any other man who has performed greater deeds for the United States. He was instrumental in the creation of the very document that led to the birth of our nation, the Articles of Confederation. Working behind those who were younger and more ambitious, he influenced and assisted the Founding Fathers who wrote such documents as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. He was an invaluable emissary to France, as he secured their aid in the colonies' fight for freedom. Despite rarely taking center stage at any particular event, no other individual was more involved in the birth of our nation. Therefore, Benjamin Franklin was, overall, the most important Founding Father during America's Revolution. As in many facets of life, Franklin was far ahead of his time. Consider his proposed "Plan of Union". Presented at the Albany Congress of 1754, his plan tried to bring the thirteen colonies together in what he called, "one general government." Under Franklin's plan, each colony would send delegates to a "Grand Council" that could levy taxes, raise troops and regulate trade. Despite the Congress' passing of Franklin's plan, neither the people of
To protect that groundwork from the British, however, the newfound United States would require help from France. The Continental Congress realized that the war was not going well, and thought that an alliance with France might mean the difference between victory and defeat. As they considered this endeavor extremely important, Franklin was sent to represent the United States in France, and at age 70, on perhaps the most important mission of his life (French American, NP). Franklin proved popular in France, but nevertheless, the French government was reluctant to ally themselves with the American colonies. Waiting until after the American victory at Saratoga, Franklin proposed the Treaty of Alliance with France, and terms were quickly agreed upon. Franklin also arranged for the transportation of French soldiers and weapons to America, hastening their arrival, as well as making sure the French government would provide a steady cash flow to the colonies during the war. The impact! ils to operate as it loses the ability to govern its people. Therefore, by creating something as seemingly unimportant as an efficient postal system, he in fact laid an important piece of groundwork for our new nation. Ben
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Approximate Word count = 813
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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