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Benjamin Franklin

An American Celebrity in France

4m 37s

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. But Franklin had serious business to attend to. Without aid from the French monarchy, America’s fight for independence might be lost quickly.

From

Corporate funding for BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine; University of Pennsylvania; Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; Kissick Family Foundation; Deborah and Jon Dawson; Diane and Hal Brierley; McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Cappy and Janie McGarr; Lavender Butterfly Fund; and Susan and Charles Shanor Charitable Trust.

Watch • 1:54:59

Benjamin Franklin

“An American” (1775-1790)

Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.

Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:59

Watch • 1:55:26

Benjamin Franklin

“Join or Die” (1706-1774)

After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.

Episode: S1 E1 | 1:55:26

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