2_Benjamin FranklinThomas PaineThomas Jefferson.ppt

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Franklin’s early life Benjamin Franklin came from a puritan background. He was born into a poor candle-maker’s family. He learned in school only for two years, but he was a voracious reader. At 12, he was apprenticed to his elder half-brother, a printer. At 16, he began to publish essays under the pseudonym “Silence Do good” . At 17, he ran away to Philadelphia to make his own fortune. Sayings from Poor Richard’s Almanack “Little strokes fell great oaks.” “Haste makes waste.” “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” “Great talkers, little doers.” “No gains without pains.” “Better slip with foot than by tongue.” “When you are good to others, you are best to yourself.” Franklin’s Contributions to Society He founded an academy which led to the University of Pennsylvania. He helped found the American Philosophical Society Firefighters The first collection of firefighters in Philadelphia was Ben’s suggestion. Streetlights Streetlights in Ben’s day were dirty and not very bright. He invented an improved version that shone much stronger and didn’t have to be cleaned as often. Lightening Rod Lightening destroyed many homes before Ben invented the lightening rod. It channeled the electricity from lightning to the ground. Ben considered this his most important invention. Underwater A strong proponent of physical activity, Ben spent a lot of his time underwater. He taught himself how to swim, invented the first swim fins, and even became a full-time instructor. Franklin’s Contributions to the U.S. He was the only American to sign the four documents that created the United States: The Declaration of Independence, The Treaty of Alliance with France, The Treaty of Peace with England, The Constitution Franklin’s 13 virtues Temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, industry, cleanliness, tranquility, Silence, sincerity, justice, chastity, humility Other key