Benjamin Franklin and Patrick Henry

Benjamin Franklin and Patrick Henry

by Peter Way

​ben frank

• ​born 1706 in Boston- his father, Josiah Franklin, had 17 children

• Not much education, but avid reader and writer; at age 17, he ran away to Philadelphia; worked as printer

• ​Age 19, moved to London; returned to Philly and started printer shop

• ​printing business successful - retired and pursued science, inventing, politics

• ​before French and Indian War, wrote Albany Plan (rejected but later influenced Articles of Confederation

• ​diplomat to France during Revolution

Multiple Choice

Which of the following jobs did Benjamin Franklin NOT have?

• Owned a printing shop

• Diplomat to other countries

• Author of papers and pamphlets

• President of the United States

​Patrick Henry

• born in 1736 in Virginia

• ​struggled to find work while young; (failed store owner and planter) became lawyer

• ​became well known for talented and persuasive speeches

• ​in response to Stamp Act, wrote Virginia Resolves (risked treason)

• ​"Give me liberty or give me death" speech at 2nd Continental Congress

• ​Virginia's first governor (1776-1779)

• ​After the war, outspoken Anti-Federalist

Multiple Choice

How did Patrick Henry impact America?

• He used words and speeches to influence people against Tyranny 

• He was a very successful military commander

• He published the book Common Sense

• He became President of the United States

​Patrick Henry's Speech March, 1775

​“Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace, Peace,’ but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? ... Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"