Benjamin Franklin
The Declaration of Independence
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The Stamp Act
In 1765, England found a new way to raise money from the American colonies: The Stamp Act.
In 1765, England found a new way to raise money from the American colonies: The Stamp Act.
Publicly Humiliated in London
Franklin, the most famous American in London, became the face of American resistance.
Franklin, the most famous American in London, became the face of American resistance.
The Franklins Choose Opposing Sides in the Revolution
The American Revolution tore families apart, including the Franklins.
The American Revolution tore families apart, including the Franklins.
Franklin’s Observations and Experiments on Electricity
Franklin studied electricity and proved lightning’s electrical nature with a key and kite.
Franklin studied electricity and proved lightning’s electrical nature with a key and kite.
Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices
A visit to a school for Black children challenged Franklin’s racial prejudices.
A visit to a school for Black children challenged Franklin’s racial prejudices.
Benjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica
Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe.
Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe.
Franklin and Slave Labor
Enslaved Philadelphia residents worked in businesses and homes, including Franklin’s.
Enslaved Philadelphia residents worked in businesses and homes, including Franklin’s.
Benjamin Franklin and Inoculation
This extended scene from BENJAMIN FRANKLIN includes bonus material not in the final film.
This extended scene from BENJAMIN FRANKLIN includes bonus material not in the final film.
Behind the Scenes | Exploring Benjamin Franklin
Get an inside look from Ken Burns on the making of Benjamin Franklin.
Get an inside look from Ken Burns on the making of Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin Makes a Name for Himself as a Printer
Franklin’s first published essays were printed under a pseudonym—Silence Dogood.
Franklin’s first published essays were printed under a pseudonym—Silence Dogood.
The Declaration of Independence
Franklin made a pivotal edit to Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence.
Franklin made a pivotal edit to Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence.
Franklin’s Endlessly Quotable Poor Richard’s Almanack
Franklin’s popular "Poor Richard’s Almanack" offered an enduring brand of American humor.
Franklin’s popular "Poor Richard’s Almanack" offered an enduring brand of American humor.
Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown
A month after the end of the battle, Franklin finally got the news from Yorktown.
A month after the end of the battle, Franklin finally got the news from Yorktown.
Franklin and the Antislavery Movement
Late in life, Franklin petitioned Congress to end slavery in the United States.
Late in life, Franklin petitioned Congress to end slavery in the United States.
Compromise and the Constitution of the United States
As impasse threatened the Constitutional Convention, Franklin appealed for Compromise.
As impasse threatened the Constitutional Convention, Franklin appealed for Compromise.
Benjamin Franklin House in London
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
Benjamin Franklin’s Theory of Colds
Franklin and Adams have to share a bedroom in a humorous scene not in the final film.
Franklin and Adams have to share a bedroom in a humorous scene not in the final film.
The Treaty of Paris, 1783
The Treaty of Paris ended a war, secured Independence and created an Empire.
The Treaty of Paris ended a war, secured Independence and created an Empire.
Franklin and Adams: Rivals on the Same Diplomatic Mission
Franklin and Adams frustrated each other in France with opposing approaches to diplomacy.
Franklin and Adams frustrated each other in France with opposing approaches to diplomacy.
An American Celebrity in France
Benjamin Franklin arrived in France, hoping to win French support for the Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin arrived in France, hoping to win French support for the Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin and American Diplomacy
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Franklin and Innovation
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Franklin and Writing
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Franklin and Revolution
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
A Discussion with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas
Ken Burns speaks with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas.
Ken Burns speaks with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas.