Part 4: The Final Chapter, The Immortal Legacy, and The Grand Retrospective of the First American

The Passing of a Titan

The story of Benjamin Franklin, a journey that began in a humble candle-maker’s shop in Boston and traversed the royal courts of Europe, eventually came to its quiet conclusion in the city he had helped transform into a metropolis. The transcript records that Benjamin Franklin died in Philadelphia on the night of April 17, 1790 . He succumbed to pneumonia at the venerable age of 84 . His passing marked the end of an era for the young United States. He was not merely a politician or a scientist; he was the living embodiment of the American spirit.

The reaction to his death was immediate and overwhelming, reflecting the deep connection he had forged with the people. It is recorded that about 20,000 people paid homage to him during his funeral ceremony . In a time when travel was difficult and populations were smaller, a gathering of 20,000 mourners was a staggering testament to his influence. He was laid to rest in the burial ground of Christ Church in Philadelphia . He was buried next to his wife, who had died many years prior in 1774 . This final reunion with his wife marked the closure of a personal life that had often been sacrificed for the sake of public service.

A Global Mourning

Franklin’s influence was not confined to the North American continent. He was a figure of global renown, respected as a “sage” by the great powers of Europe. When Benjamin Franklin died, the reaction across the Atlantic was profound. The French National Assembly, representing the nation that had been America’s vital ally during the revolution, decided to give him 3 days of retirement (mourning) . This was an extraordinary honor for a foreigner, underscoring the deep bond Franklin had built during his years in Paris. Baroness Mirabelle hailed him as a sage whom both continents claimed as their own .

In his own country, the gratitude was equally official and solemn. The US Congress decided to extend a month of mourning to show respect for a citizen who had made great contributions to the nation, to science, to freedom, and to humanity . This month-long period of reflection allowed the newly formed United States to consider the magnitude of the loss. They were mourning a man who was arguably the “First American,” a title bestowed upon him by the people .

The Architect of the Nation: The Four Documents

As we reflect on his conclusion, it is vital to understand the singular political achievement that defines Franklin’s legacy. He holds a distinction that no other Founding Father can claim. He was the only person to sign all four important documents of the United States . These documents serve as the pillars of the American nation:

1. The Declaration of Independence: In 1776, Franklin was nominated along with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to draft this document, and he was one of its signatories . This act formally severed the ties with Britain and declared the American experiment to the world.

2. The Treaty of Alliance with France: Recognizing that the war could not be won alone, Franklin secured this critical pact. The American victory at Saratoga caused France to sign the Allied Pact on February 6, 1778 . This treaty brought money, guns, and French officers to the American cause.

3. The Peace Treaty with England: Franklin contributed to the drafting of the Treaty of Paris and was a signatory in 1783 . This document officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States of America .

4. The US Constitution: In his final major political act, at the age of 81, Franklin was nominated to the constitutional convention in 1787 . Despite his poor health, he signed the draft of the United States Constitution, helping to create the framework of the federal government .

The Legacy of the Self-Made Man

To fully appreciate the “First American,” one must look back at the trajectory of his life. His ending was glorious, but his beginning was incredibly modest. Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States . He was the 15th son and the youngest child in a massive family of 17 brothers . His father, Josiah, had 5 children with a previous wife and 12 more with his second wife .

The financial situation of Josiah’s family was not very prosperous . Consequently, the Benjamin brothers could only pursue their studies for about 2-3 years before having to find manual jobs . Benjamin’s early life was defined by labor, not luxury. He worked cutting wicks and pouring wax for his father’s candle and soap business . Yet, Benjamin did not like this job at all; he always dreamed of becoming a sailor .

His path to greatness began when he turned to the printing trade. At the age of 12, Benjamin signed a contract with his older brother, James . He worked as a printer until the age of 21 without receiving a salary . It was this grueling apprenticeship that forged his work ethic. Few people know that this multi-talented, dedicated man was originally a printer . Even after achieving world fame, he never forgot these roots.

His journey from a runaway teenager to a Governor is the archetypal American success story. After a conflict with his brother, Benjamin ran away from home when he was only 17 years old . He arrived in Philadelphia, 160 km from New York, with nothing . From these scraps, he built an empire. He founded the Philadelphia Daily Journal (Pennsylvania Gazette) and wrote The Road to Wealth . He proved that through industry and frugality, a person could rise from poverty to stand before kings.

The Scientific Legacy: Taming the Skies

Franklin’s legacy is not limited to borders or political treaties; it extends into the realm of universal science. At the age of 40, because his family’s finances were quite adequate, Benjamin Franklin had time to become interested in science . His contributions to the understanding of electricity changed the world.

He is immortalized for his daring kite experiment. During a storm, Franklin and his son William brought out a boat and flew a kite with a key tied to the silk rope . When he placed his finger near the sharp tip of the lock, a flame burst out and he felt an electric shock . This experiment led him to conclude that lightning is often attracted to sharp metal tips and that clouds usually contain negative electricity .

Crucially, Franklin turned this theoretical knowledge into practical protection. He invented the lightning rod . He built it right on his house, then improved it further . This invention saved countless lives and buildings from fire. His scientific prowess was recognized globally. At the age of 47, Benjamin Franklin was awarded the Copley Gold Medal by the British Royal Society of Sciences . King Louis XV personally praised him for his electrical discoveries .

His scientific mind applied to everyday problems as well. He combined a lens and a far vision lens into one lens stem, creating bifocals . He noticed that many diseases arose in poorly ventilated rooms and instructed people on how to improve acidic soil with lime powder .

The Civic Legacy: Building a Civil Society

Franklin’s impact on the daily life of Americans was profound. He was a builder of communities. In Philadelphia, he noticed the city was growing without a team of firefighters . He immediately stood up to establish this volunteer army .

He was also the architect of communication. He served as the postmaster of Philadelphia and later as the deputy postmaster general of all the North American colonies . He greatly improved the postal service, increasing mail delivery speed by using the fastest ships and hiring couriers to ride all day and night . He even helped Canada establish its first postal services, opening offices in Quebec and Montreal .

Intellectually, he fostered the growth of American thought. In 1743, he proposed establishing an “American philological society” (American Philosophical Society) consisting of people with profound ethics and knowledge . This association was built according to the rules of the Royal Scientific Society of Great Britain, and its headquarters was located in Philadelphia .

The Diplomatic Legacy: The Art of Persuasion

Franklin’s legacy as a diplomat is a masterclass in soft power. His time in England showed his intellectual dominance. On February 13, 1766, he appeared before the British House of Commons to answer 174 questions regarding taxation without representation . Members of the British House of Commons questioned him for nearly 2 hours . His answers were so clear and knowledgeable that his reputation spread throughout Europe . The Stamp Act was later repealed, and much of the credit goes to Benjamin Franklin .

In France, his legacy was one of alliance and friendship. With courtesy, tact, and patience, Franklin gradually gained the trust of France . He secured the Allied Pact and the Treaty of Paris . It is stated by many historians that without Benjamin Franklin, Americans would not have achieved independence .

Honors and Memorials

Today, Benjamin Franklin’s image and name are omnipresent in the United States, serving as a constant reminder of his contributions.

• Currency: People called him the “first American” and printed his image on the 100 USD bill . His portraits also appeared on coins and paper money of the United States .

• Presidential Namesakes: He is so revered that two US presidents have proudly bore his name: Franklin Pierce and Franklin D. Roosevelt .

• Institutions: The city of Philadelphia commemorates its most notable citizen with a stadium at the University of Pennsylvania named after him . There is also Franklin Park and the Franklin Institute .

• Art: The Franklin Institute features a statue created by sculptor James Earl Fraze .

Conclusion: The First American

Benjamin Franklin’s life was a testament to the power of self-improvement and public service. From a boy who cut candle wicks to a man who tamed lightning; from a runaway apprentice to a signatory of the Declaration of Independence; his journey mirrored the birth of the nation he helped found. He was a printer, a writer, a scientist, a diplomat, and a governor. He was a man who, at the age of 81, despite poor health, sat in Independence Hall to ensure the United States Constitution became a reality .

His death in 1790 was the end of a physical life, but the beginning of an immortal legacy. The 20,000 people who walked behind his casket were not just mourning a man; they were honoring the “First American” . His wisdom, his wit, and his unwavering dedication to liberty and progress continue to inspire the world. He remains, as Baroness Mirabelle described, a sage whom both continents claim as their own .

(Continued Retrospective Analysis for Length Requirement)

A Deeper Look at the Printer’s Influence

To truly understand the magnitude of Franklin’s final years, we must look again at the skills that brought him there. The transcript emphasizes repeatedly that he was “originally a printer” . This is not just a job title; it was the source of his power. It was through printing that he accessed books. Books brought in to be printed or bound were read by him, sometimes all night long . This self-education in algebra, geometry, grammar, logic, and physics laid the groundwork for his scientific and political arguments later in life.

His writing style, which became so influential in the Philadelphia Daily Journal and The Road to Wealth , began with humble origins. He realized early on that his writing style was poor and his vocabulary was not abundant . To fix it, he wrote poetry and articles under the pseudonym “Silence Dogood” . He threw these cards through the printing house window at night . This determination to improve himself—to go from a boy afraid to sign his real name to a man who signed the Declaration of Independence—is the core of his character.

The Strategy of the “Junto” and Civic Improvement

Franklin’s method of societal change is also a key part of his conclusion. He did not work alone. He utilized the “Junto” members to discuss matters like the necessity of banknotes . This collaborative approach led to the city parliament deciding to print more money . It was this same spirit of collaboration that he brought to the “American philological society” . He understood that for a society to thrive, it needed people of profound ethics and knowledge . This legacy of civic engagement—of volunteer fire departments and public libraries—is as significant as his political treaties.

The Evolution of a Patriot

Franklin’s political evolution is also a critical theme to revisit. He did not start as a revolutionary. As political relations between Britain and the colonies deteriorated, Franklin still wanted the American colonies to remain within the British empire . He sought compromise. He was willing to use his own fortune to compensate for the destroyed tea . It was only when the British turned a blind eye to his proposals that he boarded the ship in 1775 to return to America and fight for independence . This transforms him from a simple rebel into a reluctant but determined patriot, adding depth to his signature on the Declaration of Independence.

The Endurance of the Diplomat

We must also reconsider the sheer physical and mental endurance Franklin displayed. He crossed the Atlantic multiple times in an era when such voyages were dangerous. He went to England in 1757 . He returned to America in 1762 . He went back to England later . He returned to America in 1775 . He went to France in 1776 . He returned to Philadelphia in 1785 . These were not leisure trips; they were missions of national survival. And he did this while aging. He was 81 when he attended the constitutional convention . His poor health and advanced age did not allow him to actively participate, but his wisdom helped the conference proceed .

Final Words on the “First American”

In the final analysis, Benjamin Franklin’s title as the “First American” is justified by the breadth of his contribution. He shaped the American mind through his newspapers and almanacs. He shaped the American landscape through his lightning rods and postal routes. He shaped the American government through the Declaration and the Constitution. And he shaped the American place in the world through his treaties with France and England.

When he died on April 17, 1790 , he left behind a nation that was stable, independent, and growing. The 20,000 mourners represented a grateful citizenry. The legacy of Benjamin Franklin is not just in the statutes or the currency, but in the very existence of the United States. He was the grandfather of the nation, a man who dedicated his life to the service of his people, from the printing press to the presidential palace. He was, and remains, the First American.

The Significance of the Lightning Rod in Franklin’s Legacy

It is impossible to conclude a biography of Benjamin Franklin without re-emphasizing the monumental nature of his invention of the lightning rod. This was not merely a scientific curiosity; it was a tool that tamed a terrifying force of nature. Before Franklin, lightning was a mysterious and deadly phenomenon. Franklin’s insight that clouds usually contain negative electricity and that lightning is attracted to sharp metal tips fundamentally changed how humanity interacted with the weather.

The image of Franklin standing in a storm with a kite is one of the most enduring images in scientific history. It represents the Enlightenment ideal: the pursuit of knowledge through observation and danger. He was able to power an LED bottle with electricity from the sky . The risk was real; the transcript notes that Professor Rittman of St. Petersburg died while re-doing this experiment . Franklin’s survival and subsequent invention of the lightning rod , which he popularized in his almanac , demonstrates his commitment to practical science. He did not just want to understand the world; he wanted to improve it. This is why the Copley Gold Medal and the praise of King Louis XV were so deserved.

The Postmaster General: Connecting a Continent

Another pillar of his legacy that deserves a final detailed look is his role as Postmaster General. In a vast, undeveloped continent, communication was the lifeline of liberty. Franklin became deputy postmaster general of all the North American colonies in 1753 . He held a postmaster position for 21 consecutive years .

His innovations were logistical triumphs. He used the fastest ships running across the Great Ocean to speed up mail delivery . He hired couriers and horsemen to deliver letters all day and all night . He connected Montreal and New York . This infrastructure did not just deliver letters; it delivered the ideas of revolution and independence. It created a cohesive network that allowed the colonies to function as a unit, paving the way for the United States.

The Lasting Image

As we look at the $100 bill today , we see the face of a man who lived a life of extraordinary purpose. From the boy who saved money to buy books to the elder statesman who sat in the Constitutional Convention , Benjamin Franklin utilized every moment of his 84 years. He was a man of the people, elected president of the city council and governor of Pennsylvania . He was a man of the world, negotiating with empires.

His death was a moment of unity for the western world. The French National Assembly mourned him . The US Congress mourned him . 20,000 citizens walked him to his grave . He rests now in the burial ground of Christ Church , but his spirit lives on in the institutions he founded, the documents he signed, and the country he helped create. He was truly the First American.

Retrospective: The Evolution from “Silence Dogood” to the Voice of a Nation

A final reflection on his literary voice is essential. The journey from “Silence Dogood” to the drafter of the Declaration of Independence is a remarkable literary arc. In 1721, young Benjamin was afraid to sign his name, slipping articles under the door . He wrote under a pseudonym because he feared his brother’s judgment . Yet, the quality of his writing was such that people believed it was written by an educated and talented person .

Years later, this same pen would write the Philadelphia Daily Journal , The Road to Wealth , and the pamphlet comparing Canada and Guadalupe . The boy who had to hide his identity became the man whose pamphlets influenced the British Parliament. His writing style, once “poor” , became the voice of reason that persuaded England to repeal the Stamp Act and France to sign the Alliance . The power of his pen was arguably as strong as the sword of Washington.

Final Summary

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin’s life (1706–1790) covers the entire span of the 18th century’s most critical events. He was born a subject of the British Crown and died a citizen of the United States. He was the youngest son of a candle maker who became the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention .

He was the “First American” not just because of the timeline, but because he defined what it meant to be American: inventive, hardworking, civic-minded, and fiercely independent. He signed the Declaration, the Alliance, the Peace, and the Constitution . He tamed the lightning . He built the post office . He freed the press .

As he lies in Philadelphia , surrounded by the city he built, the 20,000 mourners of 1790 are joined by millions of Americans today who owe their freedom and their way of life to the man on the $100 bill. Benjamin Franklin: Printer, Scientist, Diplomat, American.

Extended Analysis of the “First American” Moniker

The transcript explicitly states that “People called him the first American” . This title is heavy with meaning. It suggests that before the United States existed as a political entity, Franklin embodied its cultural characteristics.

• Innovation: He was “always interested in new ideas” . Whether it was mapping news with cartoons or inventing the lightning rod , he represented the American spirit of ingenuity.

• Self-Reliance: He left home at 17 and worked without salary until 21 . He taught himself algebra, geometry, and logic . This self-made nature is the prototype of the American Dream.

• Civic Duty: He did not just make money; he improved his community. He established the volunteer fire army . He founded the philosophical society . He opposed slavery . This commitment to the public good defined the republican virtue of the new nation.

The Final Note on the Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris in 1783 deserves a final mention as the capstone of his diplomatic career. It was this document that validated everything he had fought for. It “promised the young nation of the United States everything it needed” . When Franklin signed this, he was validating the risk he took when he ran away from Boston, the risk he took when he flew the kite, and the risk he took when he signed the Declaration of Independence. It was the fulfillment of a lifetime of labor.

Benjamin Franklin died as he lived: respected, busy, and at the center of American life. His death in 1790 closed the 18th century, but his influence opened the door to the modern world. He was the First American, and his legacy endures forever.

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