Benjamin Franklin was a very significant figure during the American Revolution. His success as an inventor, scientist, printer, and politician made him a very famous and successful man during these times. His involvement in the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States always is an important part in US history. Simply put, we could not be here if Benjamin Franklin didn't exist.
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston to father, Josiah Franklin and mother Abiah Folger. Josiah had seven children with his first wife, Anne child, and ten with his second wife, Abiah Folger. Benjamin was his 15th child and youngest son. Ben formally went to school at Boston Latin School and learned how to read, till 10 years old his father took him out to work fully in his candle and soap shop. At 12, he was sent to his Brother James' print shop to work there. James frequently beat and was harsh towards Ben. Ben published a pseudonym Mrs. Silence Dogood, and the letters pleased readers of his brother's paper, The New England Courant. Growing tired of his brothers harsh behavior toward him, Ben fled Boston to New York, but then settled in Philadelphia, his future home for the rest of his life.
In Philadelphia, Governor William Keith encouraged Ben to set up his own print shop. Ben left for London in 1724 to supplies for his printing shop. When he arrived in England he was disappointed because it was not what he expected, but he took advantage of the cities attractions. He returned to Philadelphia in 1726, and varied jobs between bookkeeper, shopkeeper and currency cutter. Until 1728 when he partnered with a friend to open his own print shop in Philadelphia, 2 years later, he was named the official printer of Pennsylvania. He helped to establish America's first library, the Library Company of Philadelphia, in 1731. After having financial success selling pamphlet's, he purchased The Pennsylvania Gazette, he transformed the struggling newspaper into the most successful newspapers in the colonies.