<p>Called the “First American” and credited with “Inventing America” Benjamin Franklin lived a life that invites hyperbole. Few rival Franklin for his range of accomplishment across a number of domains of human endeavor and few lived a life of such consequence in one of history’s most consequential eras. In reality Franklin’s true story eclipses the myths that pervade his legacy. </p><p><i>Benjamin Franklin: Made in America</i> traces the fascinating twists and turns that make this Founding Father’s story so remarkable. In 15 dynamic audio lectures award-winning American history professor Jeffrey Webb explores Franklin’s career beginning with his post as a young newspaperman and continuing into his leadership roles on the frontiers of cultural intellectual political and scientific developments.</p><p>Webb elucidates pivotal moments when Benjamin’s contributions helped determine the fate of the continent: the Albany Congress the Stamp Act debates and the Treaty of Paris negotiations. He then explores Franklin’s significant contributions as a transformational statesman and innovator who discoverered the lightning rod became the country’s first successful publisher and created the public library system.</p><p>Perhaps most compelling Webb shows how Franklin lent his particular genius to champion ideas considered radical in his time: free press and free speech scientific and technological progress and the gospel of individual self-improvement.</p><p>As you travel throughout Franklin’s life with Webb you’ll witness the making of the modern world.</p><p><b>This course is part of the Learn25 collection.</b></p>
