Did Ben Franklin have girlfriends in France?

It was no secret that Benjamin Franklin was fond of women, and in France his most favorite Madams were Madame Brillon and Madame Helvétius. If to Madame Brillon who was a married women, Franklin limited to sending love letters, to Madame Helvétius who was a widow, Franklin actually proposed.

What was Benjamin Franklin's relationship with France?

Franklin served from 1776 to 1778 on a commission to France charged with the critical task of gaining French support for American independence. French aristocrats and intellectuals embraced Franklin as the personification of the New World Enlightenment.

Who was with Franklin in Paris?

Franklin and Deane were joined by Arthur Lee to negotiate a Treaty of Alliance and Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France. The Treaties were signed on February 6, 1778 after which Franklin was elected minister plenipotentiary to France and the sole representative of America in France.

What happened to Benjamin Franklin in France?

If the British had intercepted Franklin on his voyage to France, the American could have been executed as a traitor. Instead, Franklin stayed in France until 1785 in a critical role as one of America's first significant diplomats. The French opened Franklin with open arms, and he became a pop culture icon.

Why was Franklin so beloved in France?

He was admired by the upscale French society for his inventions, his intelligence and women would even wear “Lightning dresses” to impress Franklin. You could speak of a real “Franklinomania”. He was so popular that the famous sculpture Houdon sculpted his buste and the celebrated painter Greuze painted his portrait.

14 Facts About Benjamin Franklin | America's Most Eccentric Founding Father

What did Benjamin Franklin love the most?

Franklin's love of reading prompted his father to apprentice him to James, an older brother with a printing shop. Franklin was a quick study and soon mastered all aspects of the trade.

How old was Franklin when he sailed to France?

On this day in 1776, one month to the day after the Continental Congress named him ambassador to the court of King Louis XVI, Benjamin Franklin, at age 70, set sail from Philadelphia for Paris with the mission of helping to negotiate a formal alliance between France and the rebellious British colonies in North America.

What did Franklin say to Louis XVI?

Your Majesty3 by your Magnanimity and Goodness, in succouring the Distress'd, has won the Hearts of a great and growing People; a Conquest of all others the most glorious! [Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

What did Ben Franklin say about the French Revolution?

“Much Blood May be Shed Ere Liberty be Firmly Established”: Benjamin Franklin Bache Defends the French Revolution, 1792–93.

Does Benjamin Franklin have living descendants?

"We found out about wonderful Franklin artifacts that are in families that we didn't even know about," she says. She also was able to update her genealogical data base, which now lists 3,380 descendants, 300 of them added during the weekend. She estimates that at least 2,000 descendants are alive today.

Who was Benjamin Franklin's bestie?

Who were Benjamin Franklin's friends? Benjamin Franklin enjoyed close personal and professional relationships with quite a few of the important European thinkers of his day, such as David Hume, Joseph Priestley, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, and the Marquis de Condorcet.

What did Benjamin Franklin say about the Treaty of Paris?

Treaty of Paris, 1783

Franklin insisted on British recognition of American independence and refused to consider a peace separate from France, America's staunch ally. Franklin did agree, however, to negotiations with the British for an end to the war.

Did Ben Franklin get along with his son?

But Benjamin Franklin did not ignore his son. Though the boy was largely raised by his caustic mother, Deborah, Franklin nonetheless looked out for him. The two were companions and friends, and Franklin helped his son obtain an education and his early jobs.

What date did Benjamin Franklin go to France?

On October 26, 1776, exactly one month to the day after being named an agent of a diplomatic commission by the Continental Congress, Benjamin Franklin sets sail from Philadelphia for France, with which he was to negotiate and secure a formal alliance and treaty.

Where did Ben Franklin stay in Paris?

Benjamin Franklin had been an off and on resident of Paris living at 66 rue Raynouard, the former Hotel de Valentinoise, in Passy. He was recognized as the first official diplomat and Ambassador of the thirteen American colonies.

Was Benjamin Franklin a celebrity in France?

In 1776, people in France had never heard of any American, except for Benjamin Franklin. Congress sent Franklin to Paris to win foreign support for the American Revolution, and the French people treated him like a celebrity when he arrived.

Why did France help America in Revolutionary War?

Motivated by their desire to humiliate the British, the French provided the necessary support that made American victory a possibility. This support came in many forms – covert supply of war materiel, individual volunteers, diplomatic support in Europe, and eventually a full-fledged military alliance.

Who did Ben Franklin talk to in France?

It was no secret that Benjamin Franklin was fond of women, and in France his most favorite Madams were Madame Brillon and Madame Helvétius. If to Madame Brillon who was a married women, Franklin limited to sending love letters, to Madame Helvétius who was a widow, Franklin actually proposed.

Could Benjamin Franklin speak French?

In addition to his passion for science and literature, Franklin spoke five languages including English, French, Latin, Italian and Spanish.

What were the last words of execution of Louis XVI?

As he was strapped down, he exclaimed "My people, I die innocent!" Then, turning towards his executioners, Louis XVI declared "Gentlemen, I am innocent of everything of which I am accused. I hope that my blood may cement the good fortune of the French." The blade fell.

What did Louis XIV say on his deathbed?

The Death of Louis XIV

He died of gangrene on September 1. On his deathbed he recited the Psalms and lamented he had not been a good king. He is reported to have said to his heir, ''Do not follow the bad example which I have set you; I have often undertaken war too lightly and have sustained it for vanity.

Why did King Louis apologize?

To this end, the King appeared before the National Assembly and apologized, indicating that he had never intended to flee the kingdom or to oppose the constitution and that he had voluntarily returned to Paris upon learning of the public outcry over his departure.

How long did it take to sail from America to France in 1776?

Ocean Voyage

Poor immigrants travelled to America on ships that were making their return voyage after having carried tobacco or cotton to Europe. The voyage took between 40 and 90 days, depending on the wind and weather.

How much money did France give to American Revolution?

During the Revolution, the French Government also provided the Americans with loans, eventually totaling over two million dollars, most of which were negotiated by Benjamin Franklin.

Would the US have won the Revolutionary War without France?

Foreign aid and military assistance

America could never have won the war without France, and France could never have succeeded without Spain. Foreign aid to the Americans included cash, loans, weapons, gunpowder, tentage, uniforms, and other military equipment.