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Benjamin Franklin
The Declaration of Independence
After reading Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, Franklin offered only a few edits, but one of them was pivotal. In his draft, Jefferson’s most important sentence began, “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable, that all men are created equal…” Franklin crossed out “sacred and undeniable” and wrote in “self-evident.”
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1:55:26
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
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1:54:59
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:55:26
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.