History Assignment



Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 6, 1706 to Josiah Franklin and Abiah Folger. His father was a tallow chandler who relocated his family to the New England Colonies about 1682 in search of religious freedom. Benjamin Franklin started working for his father at a very early age which he hated. At age twelve he was bound as an apprentice to his brother, James, who owned a print shop where they quarreled often. His brother published the New England Courant and treated him as though he was a slave and often times beat him. During this period in his life a desire to improve himself and be free of the restraining ties which bound him was born within him. He list some virtues including temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility, which he thought to be necessary to improve one's self.

Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, but he refused to take a patent for any of his inventions. He made this statement concerning patents: “As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any inventions of ours, and this we should do freely and generously” (Franklin, 1909). In 1742 he invented the open stove which would warm the house and save on fuel. An ironworker in London made a few modifications to Franklin's design and applied and received a patent for it. Benjamin Franklin was a man who cared deeply about the plight of his fellowman. He was instrumental in bring to fruition an academy for the education of the children of Philadelphia which later become the University of Pennsylvania. He was also, founded a hospital in order for the citizens of Philadelphia to receive better health care.

Benjamin Franklin was a very remarkable man during his lifetime. He was a politician, diplomat, publisher, and a philosopher. He held many public offices and positions and served the American Colonies faithfully. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and helped write the Constitution of the United States of America. He has left not only his son a lasting legacy but all American people.

I would ask him questions relating to his personal development and professional career as Statesman. I would like to hear him telling his own stories. The answers that I expect are already known through his biography; however, there may be some hidden truth which is still unknown.

The Oil Embargo of the 1970s

The Oil Crisis of the 1970's was a major period in American history, when a number of political, global and social events came together to create a 'perfect storm'. The Seventies was an era filled with people seeking self-fulfilment (The 'Me' Decade), where the nation was growing at a fast pace. People, during this time, concentrated on their own leisure and happiness. Behind the narcissism and selfishness of many people's attitudes, an oil crisis struck America which largely impacted the automobile industry and led to a rise in gas ...