Benjamin Franklin

[Name of the Institute]Benjamin Franklin

One of the over-arching themes in Franklin's Autobiography is that of self-improvement. Franklin intends for his own experience to serve as a model for others. An elder statesman by the time of the American Revolution, Franklin was considered by many in both Europe and the American Colonies to be the epitome of what it meant to be an 'American.' He was considered a leading intellectual of the period as well as publisher, inventor, diplomat and political philosopher. Franklin's Autobiography was originally intended for his son but was published publicly soon after his death in 1790. His story captures observations on colonial American life in Philadelphia as well as his views on literature, philosophy and religion (Augur, 1955).

Franklin's main concept was on the Americans and the Christian focusing on the faith communities that have sprung up on American soil. It is the tradition of non-interference in religious matters; the U.S. offered a refuge for many small sects from overseas (Carnes, pp. 145-146). For the example of the Amish, descendants of German immigrants who settled mainly in African American and neighbouring states, and for generations to practice there, the simple life without modern technology. However, it is also essential to note that the followers are the one who determine whether the leader is successful and efficient or not. Therefore, a leader is only said successful if he or she is having self-confidence.

The second in Oxford's new Critical Historical Encounters series, covering formative events in American History--this time with a focus on a Benjamin Franklin many readers may not have encountered before. In January 1774, Franklin stood up to the vitriol directed at him by the King's Privy Council in the Cockpit, a former cockfighting room in Whitehall Palace. At this juncture war was inevitable. Incendiary letters sent 10 years earlier by Massachusetts Gov. Thomas Hutchinson and Lt. Gov. Andrew Oliver fell into Franklin's hands, and he sent them to friends in Massachusetts who published them. Incensed, the Assembly of the Bay Colony instructed Franklin, their agent, to request their removal from office. Franklin knew very well that the request would be denied and thought that would be the end of it. The Boston Tea Party proved to be the tipping point. Solicitor General Alexander Wedderburn, standing as an agent for the Council, delivered the verbal assault. Was Franklin merely a scapegoat, or was he truly an "incendiary" ...