Benjamin Franklin is the legendary personality in the American history of the 18th and 19th century. He is described as the heroic men who found knee breeches and wigs. Franklin find attraction among millions of people. He is famous for his democratic character and accessibility. The experts often compare this person to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. However, it is claimed that Franklin was more amiable than the other famous founders. People, who required his help, could always come up to him in the street and ask for advice. Therefore, Benjamin Franklin were extremely approachable, but preserved his aristocratic conduct at the same time. If access George Washington, one can deduce that he was too proud to allow ordinary people addressing him. Consequently, Benjamin Franklin is widely recognized not only as a person, who contributed to the American economy development, but a pleasant and nice person as well (Wood 12).
Numerous scientists say that the values of the USA are embodied in Benjamin Franklin. It is considered that common citizens of America often resemble the theorist and founder. His simplicity influenced the community. The experts claim people did not learn so much as they overtook from Benjamin Franklin’s proverbs. It is said that Franklin became successful by developing common conducts. His teachings can be combined with ordinary life. Often, Franklin’s works reveal successes and loses of life (Wood 25). Thus, Franklin is national hero in America.
The U.S. national success can be viewed in Benjamin Franklin’s personality. At first, he was an artisan. Franklin shaped himself. His existence falls into the period, when Americans turned from ordinary peoples to prominent and rich citizens. This feature is characteristic for Benjamin. This person knew about all pressures that are peculiar for the U.S. society. That is why, people compare him to them.
The work The Way to Wealth that was wrote by Franklin shows his views on society. Thus, he demonstrated how poor citizens can make fortunes and become successful in life. Benjamin illustrates American life in wonderful way. He shows a young man with bread and scientists with a kite that reveal the U.S. history. It makes many experts and scientists to address to him as a “first great American” (Wood 45).
In Atlantic Monthly from 1889, Franklin is showed as America itself. Then, he was described as a healthy and happy nation, in which every person is satisfied with life and becomes stronger every day. Americans depict Benjamin Franklin as the one, who possesses all the features peculiar for them. These are smartness, practicality, and common sense.
Benjamin Franklin discovered many objects. Among them are famous Franklin stove, bifocals, lighting rod, etc. These instruments became extremely helpful for the American society. He make the houses of the U.S. citizens comfortable. His invention brought light to people and they did not require natural lightening at homes any more. Benjamin Franklin referred people, who were pure and had no opportunities to study. Consequently, he strived to show the global citizens that they are equal. Benjamin made the life of Americans more easy. Moreover, he made a try to address the issues from the daily activities of the citizens as well as political matters. That is why, people from the USA usually call Benjamin Franklin a universal American since he could identify himself both with the citizens of low social classes and rich citizens (Wood 67).
The 19th century identified Benjamin Franklin’s biggest achievements, which entered American history. He was a embodiment of common people, but at the same time Franklin was showed as an unreal human, who overtaken all the positive characteristics of the world citizens. In his view, the USA was a place for innovations. For him, America was a country of making money and succeed in everything. He matched America to the opinions of immigrants and showed its typical features. Franklin always considered that people, who working hard enough, can reach success in the U.S. There was no one in America who would protect this opinion more fiercely. Besides, he also defended American position in many international missions. He used to speak on America’s participance in French and Indian War. Benjamin was also an Ambassador to France. Consequently, he is said to start the international relations of America. Also, he connected the USA to Great Britain by finding a new route to this land. It helped America to improve its economic situation (Wood 113). As the revolution came, Franklin started new public relational policy. Besides, he initiated many expeditions to partner countries and worked to eradicate propaganda.
American philosophy is better understood if one reviews the life history of Benjamin Franklin. This person did not only improved the relations inside America, but also addressed such issues as global equality and develop the international relations between the USA and the rest of the world. In spite of other famous founders of America, Franklin communicate well with the citizens and improved democracy in the country. Moreover, he was like to associate with immigrants, who settle in America. Franklin’s discoveries made the process of American industrialization quicker and more efficient after the revolution. Finally, he supported diplomatic relations with other countries. Benjamin Franklin is “ideal” American.
References
Wood, Gordon S. The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Penguin, 2004. Print.