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Benjamin Franklin

Franklin and Adams: Rivals on the Same Diplomatic Mission

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams served the United States together as diplomats to France during the American Revolution, but they frustrated each other with their conflicting approaches to the job. Adams was impatient and did not recognize that Franklin’s popularity was an important asset in securing vital French support for the war effort.

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“An American” (1775-1790)
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1:54:59
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
“Join or Die” (1706-1774)
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1:55:26
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
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