Ben Franklin Becomes America’s Top Diplomat

Colonial Settlement
Written By Tom Hand

America declared its independence from England on July 4, 1776, but our leaders knew that success would depend on securing the assistance of France, England’s eternal enemy. In December 1776, Congress sent Ben Franklin to Paris to negotiate with the French. Although Franklin was seventy years old and in poor health, he willingly accepted the post as he was now fully committed to the American cause.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses how Ben Franklin took on the role as America’s top diplomat, and why it still matters today.

Images courtesy of Yale University Art Gallery, Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, Mount Vernon, Architect of the Capitol, National Portrait Gallery – Smithsonian Institution, National Guard, Wikipedia.

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