Benjamin Franklin: The Embodiment of a Renaissance Man

A man whose name will forever be remembered in not just American, but world history, Benjamin Franklin was the true embodiment of a Renaissance man. His accomplishments benefitted the course of social, political, and scientific progress in many countries, and his influence touched the lives of millions. In America especially, it is common to view him as the great leader who was forever dedicated to the revolution, or the man who lived and breathed American independence, or perhaps the wisest, most level-headed patriot America had seen. He indeed was a crucial asset to the American Revolution, and his dedication to the fight for recognized independence was clearly visible, both verbally and in his writings. He was even given the nickname of “The First American,” a high praise for this founding father. What many fail to realize was that Benjamin Franklin was, during his involvement with American politics even up until the late 1760s, in fact, one of the strongest royalists of the time. His ties with both the British Parliament and the French government were very strong, much stronger than any ties he might have had with patriot leaders in America. They were not only his close friends, but men that he truly looked up to as an example of what American leaders should be. Although he was a self-made man, he identified as “elitist,” and hardly tuned into colonial patriotism; his essential goal was to unite the North American colonists and their rulers three thousand miles away as one, cohesive group of citizens loyal to the crown. It was through a series of events including the Grafton government and his disagreements with the Stamp Act that his terms with British government had become worse over time, and his views began to dramatically...

... middle of paper ...

...nd secretary of the Treasury, to become a subminister in the Grafton government. The offer was indefinitely appealing and would allow him to permanently reside in Britain, and, as he passionately described it, “entitle me to something better here.” At a time when Franklin was struggling to find a place to fit in, he saw this opportunity as a godsend, and claimed he would take the position if it was offered to him without a doubt. All he had to do was stay charming to the Lords, and wait.

The Boston Massacre proved to be ever so untimely for Franklin’s career, and Franklin, who regarded Boston as his true homeland, expressed sympathies for those affected. After realizing that it was middling men, the type of man he used to be, that were targeted, Franklin came to the aid of his fellow brothers and even went so far as to name British soldiers as “detestable murderers.”