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Benjamin Franklin

“Join or Die” (1706-1774)

Leaving behind his Boston childhood, Benjamin Franklin reinvents himself in Philadelphia where he builds a printing empire and a new life with his wife, Deborah. Turning to science, Franklin's lightning rod and experiments in electricity earn him worldwide fame. After entering politics, he spends years in London trying to keep Britain and America together as his own family starts to come apart.

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“An American” (1775-1790)

Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.

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