-
Franklin became an apprentice for his older brother (James)
Franklin's older brother was a printer. Franklin becoming an apprentice for his brother was important because it started Franklin's printing career. Later on in his life, Franklin would publish essays and start his own successful printing shop. -
Franklin got married to Deborah Read
Although Franklin and Deborah didn't have an official wedding, they became husband and wife in 1730. This event was important to Franklin because he could start a family. He and Deborah had 3 children. -
Franklin established a lending library in Philadelphia
This event is important because at the time, it was hard for people to get their hands on a book. The lending library that Franklin established made books more available to the public. For a long time, it was the largest public library in America. -
Franklin helped create the Academy of Philadelphia
The college Franklin helped create was at first called the Academy of Philadelphia. Later on, the name changed to the University of Pennsylvania. The University of Pennsylvania is currently a prestigious Ivy League school. This event was important because Franklin helped to create a college that is still very prestigious in today's world. -
Franklin did his kite experiment
The experiment proved that lightning was electricity. It also allowed Franklin to have a deeper understanding of electricity. This event was important because afterwards, the lightning rod was created to protect houses from catching on fire by lightning. -
Franklin invented the glass armonica (instrument)
This event was important to musicians at that time. Instead of using tuned wineglasses to play songs, musicians could play the same songs on the glass armonica much easier. Later on, music for the glass armonica was written by famous composers like Mozart and Beethoven. -
Franklin became the 1st postmaster general in the U.S.
This event was important because Franklin was the first of many future postmaster generals. Postmaster generals are in charge of all post offices that they are responsible for. They also hire other postmasters to oversee mail. -
Franklin helped to create the Declaration of Independence
This event was important because the Declaration of Independence eventually led to American independence. It also stated America's values and expectations for a government. To this day, the Declaration of Independence is an important document in American history. -
Franklin negotiated the Treaty of Paris of 1783
Franklin's negotiating skills led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This is important because the Treaty of Paris of 1783 ended the Revolutionary War. It also recognized American independence from Britain. -
Franklin was a delegate in the Constitutional Convention
By attending the Constitutional Convention, Franklin helped to create the U.S. Constitution. This is important because the Constitution established the U.S. government. It is an important piece of American history.
