The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin

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Central to America's self-identity is Benjamin Franklin, often viewed as a genial polymath and self-improver, dubbed the first American. However, Gordon Wood reveals that this perception is misleading, obscuring the more complex and admirable man Franklin truly was. Understanding him as the last American might better illuminate key aspects of his life, such as his desire to be a gentleman, his loyalty to the Crown, and his ambition within the British Empire. Franklin's transformation into a revolutionary, his motivations for writing the Autobiography, and his conflicts with figures like John and Samuel Adams and Congress further complicate his narrative. His love for Europe and conflicted national identity are also significant, as evidenced by the mass mourning he received in France compared to indifference in America at his death. Despite being overshadowed by George Washington, Franklin emerged as a crucial figure in the Revolution. Wood questions why Franklin's significance was downplayed during his lifetime and how his image became distorted. Ironically, his essential diplomacy in France, vital for American victory, led to suspicion at home, while also giving rise to the "first American" persona. The early nineteenth century solidified this image, as Franklin's posthumously published Autobiography shaped the ideals of a young democracy. This work offers a fresh perspective on Franklin's life and the formation of America's