Skip to main content

Up Next

“Join or Die” (1706-1774)

“Join or Die” (1706-1774)

Season 1 Episode 1
1:55:26
“An American” (1775-1790)

“An American” (1775-1790)

Season 1 Episode 2
1:54:59
Episode 5: The Calling

The Calling

Season 4 Episode 5
53:05
When Whales Could Walk

When Whales Could Walk

Season 51 Episode 1
53:31
Back to Show
Benjamin Franklin

Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown

In November 1781, Franklin heard news of the victory at Yorktown, the decisive battle of the American Revolution that was won by the combined forces of the French military and George Washington’s Continental Army. Back in 1778, Franklin had secured the alliance that brought France into the war, and without the French Army and Navy, the outcome at Yorktown would not have been possible.

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