Why did the French love Franklin?

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.

Why was Franklin so beloved in France?

Admired by the French for his experiments with electricity, inventions and for his charming and humble personality, Franklin was a natural choice as ambassador. Even though he was not fluent in French and his grammar was not perfect the French complemented him.

Why was Franklin so popular?

He helped save property from destruction and aided insurance plans against fire. As an inventor, his accomplishments were unusual. He also aided in changing our standards of life by the invention of the Franklin Stove and started the pioneer work to harness electricity to be an agent for the benefit of mankind.

What was the Treaty of France with Franklin?

Negotiated by the American diplomats Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee, the Treaty of Alliance required that neither France nor the United States agree to a separate peace with Great Britain, and that American independence be a condition of any future peace agreement.

Who was Franklin in the French and Indian War?

Benjamin Franklin fought in the French and Indian War against the French and Native American forces. Franklin initially refused a position as colonel in the Pennsylvania militia (government-sponsored instead of private), and served instead as a common soldier.

How is France on its Fifth Republic? (Short Animated Documentary)

What was Benjamin Franklin's idea in the French and Indian War?

Franklin's goal was to unite the colonists to combat the French and their Native American allies, and to convince the British government to support a unified colonial government in America. He didn't achieve that goal, but the image was so powerful and persuasive that it took on a life of its own.

Who were the enemies of Franklin?

He reveals a fully human Franklin who led a remarkable life but nonetheless had his share of hostile relationships—political adversaries like the Penns, John Adams, and Arthur Lee—and great disappointments—the most significant being his son, William, who sided with the British.

Why did the French help the Americans?

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.

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.]

Why did Benjamin Franklin signed the Treaty of Paris?

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.

What is Franklin most remembered for?

He is best known as the only Founding Father who signed all three documents that freed America from Britain. Franklin is credited with drafting the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. He also negotiated the Treaty of Paris which ended the Independence War against Britain.

Why is Franklin a hero?

By bringing France into the war against Britain, Franklin is crucial in securing American independence. 1776–87 | Franklin is the only person to sign all three key documents in the creation of the United States: the Declaration of Independence (1776); the Treaty of Paris (1783); and the Constitution (1787).

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.

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.

Why is Franklin called Benjamin in French?

Why is Franklin called, Benjamin, in the French Scholastic books? In the beginning, the editors at French Scholastic thought Franklin should have a name familiar to French-speaking children. In the early years, Franklin had different names in different countries. He was once called, Dorkus, Patrick, and Morten!

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.

How did the French feel about Franklin?

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.

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.

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.

Did America pay back France?

In 1795, the United States was finally able to settle its debts with the French Government with the help of James Swan, an American banker who privately assumed French debts at a slightly higher interest rate.

Who convinced the French to help the US?

Benjamin Franklin's popularity in France bolstered French support for the American cause. The French public viewed Franklin as a representative of republican simplicity and honesty, an image Franklin cultivated.

Why is Franklin so powerful?

Franklin inherits cosmic-ray charged genes from his parents and is born highly intelligent and intuitive. His psionic, reality manipulation, and telepathic powers manifest as a young child but being inexperienced, he has limited control over them.

Who was jealous of Ben Franklin?

James was very angry and jealous of the attention Benjamin received.