Empowering Global Citizens

Activity 5.2.5
The Life of Benjamin Franklin

After a brief introduction, the students should research the life of Benjamin
Franklin. This research should focus on the following topics:

1. His life as a thinker and an inventor

2. His role in the expansion of the printing press as a popular medium

3. His role in gaining support for the American War of Independence
from the French and his role as the first American ambassador to
France

4. His use of wit and comedy

Resources

° http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/
° http://www.webenglishteacher.com/franklin.html

Optional Activity
The Colonial Times Newspaper: An Exploration of the
Ideas of and Motivations for the War

(See appendix A for detailed instructions.)

Activity5 ..2 6

Propaganda and Imagery in the American Revolution
First, the teacher should introduce the class to the following slogans (ad—
ditional slogans can be used):

143