Benjamin Franklin and Foreign Policy

Introduction

One of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin had a full and varied career as a printer, scientist, writer, philosopher, and political leader. He was also among the first American diplomats. As early as 1753 Franklin concluded a treaty with the Iroquois Confederacy for Pennsylvania. It was prompted by growing concerns over French military activity along the Pennsylvania frontier.

Politically, he favored universal suffrage, free public education, unicameral legislatures, and a government-stimulated economy. He opposed slavery, encouraged benevolent projects (libraries, hospitals), and rejected welfare programs that caused sloth and laziness. A self-made man, he became wealthy through hard work, invention, and political connections. As a colonial trade diplomat to England and ambassador to France, Franklin associated with the famous and prominent leaders in Europe and gained a cosmopolitan sophistication. His scientific discoveries in electricity made him world famous. A deist in religion, he nevertheless supported the Christian revivalist George Whitefield and saw Christian morality as essential to American democracy and social harmony.

Discussion

The 18th century was the Enlightenment but also simply a time for illicit and much needed change. Franklin first embodied this century by refusing to be a clergy man as his Protestant ancestors had been. Franklin then after reading Socrates adopted a more passive way of life, buying into that theology. He, as an “18th century man” constantly asked questions, searched for books and challenged his friends. He questioned religion which was a drastic element of the 18th century thinkers. The general theme of the autobiography is one of self-improvement, which many men of the Enlightenment perused; some even strove for perfection of the human soul. Along with many free thinkers of the 18th century Franklin forms a group to discuss matters of the intellect, this one called Junto. He at length discusses his virtues. Franklin experimented least excitingly by using several surnames when writing to avoid detection. He practiced vegetarianism for a while and was labeled an atheist by his father, who then actually converted to deism, committing a life to “truth, sincerity and integrity.” Franklin proceeds to adopt the 'Habitude of 13 virtues' and goes through many more “experiments” of self through his early life (Morgan, 22).

For Benjamin, organization was his main goal. It seems like he did not like disorganizations or any form of off-road trailing that was not productive. If he had not been an organized person would he have made all of the inventions that he did? “The Age of Experiment” for Benjamin Franklin to me seemed like he wanted to make a difference in the world. He was willing to take an initiative and do something that has not been done before in the time that he lived in. Franklin's “13 virtues” prove very significant to everyday lifestyle of a person. Those virtues have proved worthy due to the sole reason is because the prime order clearly and vividly states “Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time” and resolution, ...