who was benjamin franklin

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. Franklin played a crucial role in drafting and signing the Declaration of Independence and was the first U.S. Postmaster General. He became wealthy as a printer and publisher, notably for The Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanack. Franklin was also a pioneering scientist, known for his studies of electricity, including the famous kite experiment, and inventions such as the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. He was a key diplomat, especially in securing French support during the American Revolution, and helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the war. Franklin was active in politics, serving as President of Pennsylvania and participating in the Constitutional Convention. Though he owned slaves early in life, he later became an abolitionist. His legacy endures in American culture, currency, and institutions, and he is often called "the most accomplished American of his age"