BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (Unit 2: Developing a New Nation)

THE SCIENTIST Discovered Electricity Invented Bifocal glasses Improved the odometer Franklin stove (produced more heat and less smoke) MANY OTHERS

THE WRITER Poor Richard’s Almanack- published every year weather forecasts practical household hints, puzzles popular for its extensive use of wordplay, and some of the witty phrases “God helps them who help themselves”

THE WRITER Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Published after his death Four Parts 1.To his son, William 2.Letters in Paris 3.Return to Philadelphia 4.His last 6 months

THE POLITICIAN The Albany Plan of Union A plan to unite the colonies Council of representatives Power over the western settlements and Native American relations Organize ARMIES COLLECT TAXES (to pay for the armies) The colonial assemblies REJECTED it because they wanted to control their own taxes and armies

THE POLITICIAN Created by Franklin in 1754 and published in his newspaper, the Philadelphia Gazette. A plea for unity in defending the colonies during the French and Indian War.

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS The right of journalist to publish the truth without restriction or penalty John Peter Zenger Publisher of the new York Weekly Journal Arrested for printing a series of articles that criticized the governor Charged with LIBEL (the publishing of statements that damage a person’s reputation

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS John Peter Zenger trial Wrote about the governor Everything was FACTS At the time, under American law, libel meant UNTRUE statements A JURY FOUND HIM NOT GUILTY Significance= press has a right and responsibility to keep the public informed of the truth

ASSIGNMENT Read “How I Became a Printer” by Benjamin Franklin on page Analyze Literature: Write a letter to the New England Courant expressing your opinion about the fairness of unfairness of being made an apprentice at the age of 12.