“Patriotic Wednesday”
Introduction: “Patriotic Wednesday” replaces “Poetic Wednesday.”
I have a plethora of posts on Americana that don’t fit into my other categories. Since I love America, even more than I love poetry, “Poetic Wednesday” has been replaced by “Patriotic Wednesday.”
Plus, I worry deeply that so many Americans are ignorant of the “Hand of Providence” in the birth and destiny of “the greatest nation on God’s green earth.” (Michael Medved)
Benjamin Franklin’s descriptive titles
Benjamin has a number of descriptive titles, including:
- “The First American” – he was a self-made man with an inspiring “rags-to-riches” biography which personified “the American dream.”
- “The Grandfather of the Country” – he was one of the most influential Founders, and a generation older than the other Founding Fathers and Mothers, including George Washington, “The Father of the Country.”
- “Doctor Franklin” – for his scientific achievements and incredible inventions, he received five honorary doctorate and master’s degrees from top universities in America and Britain. People addressed this uneducated man as: “Doctor Franklin.”
- “America’s First Universal Genius” – He is one, of only two, American universal geniuses, with an almost universal grasp of human knowledge, an estimated IQ over 195, and a mastery of numerous fields of knowledge. (Like, Aristotle, Leonardo Di Vinci, Isaac Newton.)
- “The Most Quoted American” – He was the most popular writer of his day, and he penned a plethora of popular proverbs. (“Honesty is the best policy.” “A penny saved is a penny earned.” “No pain, no gain.” “He who fails to prepare, prepares to fail.”)
- “America’s First International Celebrity” – he was widely popular throughout Europe and America.
America’s Need for Strong Allies
American could not defeat the Great British Empire alone. The colonies need strong allies. Benjamin Franklin recruited them.
Persuading the French public, aristocracy, and King – a 3-prong strategy
In Paris, Franklin adopted a three-prong diplomatic strategy. He believed that in order to succeed he had to win the hearts and minds of (1) the public, (2) the aristocracy, and (3) the King.
Franklin knew that the messenger is sometimes more important than the message. A diplomat cannot underestimate the importance of personal relationships. Among Franklin’s greatest assets as an ambassador were, not only his genius, but also his charm, wit, and humor.
Franklin mastered the French language and the unique culture.
The French thought of the Americans as a bunch of frontiersmen. So, Franklin took advantage of that stereotype by wearing a coonskin hat and a beaver fur coat wherever he went.
Winning Over the French Public
Benjamin made certain he was seen in public. Because of his costume, humor, and visibility, he became a celebrity. Women even started wearing hairstyles based on Franklin’s coonskin hat. In a short time, he captured the hearts and minds of the French public.
Winning Over the French Aristocracy
Franklin socialized with the aristocracy. These were the “idle rich,” with their powdered faces and wigs.
At parties, Franklin led the guests in singing American revolutionary songs. He passed around his coonskin hat to collect money for the cause.
He wined and dined influential aristocratic widows, who had the ear of the king. In his 70’s, Franklin played the role of a “party animal” and “womanizer.) In this way, he won over the aristocracy.
(I don’t know whether Franklin’s flirting was merely his “shtick,” or if he really was a “dirty old man.” Franklin was obese and in poor health, and he suffered from painful, often debilitating, gout.)
Winning Over the King of France
Winning over the King of France was the most difficult and most important challenge. The French were reluctant to get involved because they didn’t believe the Continental Army stood a chance against the British. But then General Benedict Arnold miraculously defeated the English at the Battle of Saratoga. This became a turning point.
Franklin had laid the groundwork, and he was allowed to meet King Louis XVI. Once, Franklin insisted on wearing his frontier costume to the palace. This was unheard of, but the King was “amused” and approved.
These brief encounters typically lasted a few minutes. But Franklin’s meeting went on and on. The King was impressed with Franklin’s mastery of the French language and culture. The King was also amazed by Franklin’s brilliance. The King questioned Franklin at length about a variety of subjects, including science, philosophy, and politics.
The King was so impressed, he ultimately agreed to support the Americans. Thus, General Lafayette, 6,000 French troops, and the powerful French fleets entered the war on America’s side.
Additional Help: Collecting Money and Recruiting Foreign Generals
Franklin was a successful fundraiser, and he sent home the desperately needed cash.
In addition, Franklin recruited several experienced European military commanders to serve as generals and advisers in Washington’s Continental Army. (French General Lafayette, Polish General Pulaski, German General De Kalb, German General Von Steuben, and others.) Their contribution to the war cannot be overstated. These foreign commanders became war heroes in America and Europe.
American Victory and the Treaty of Paris
Benjamin Franklin truly deserved the title of “the Man who Saved the Revolution.”
At the end of the war, Benjamin Franklin represented the United States in signing the Treaty of Paris between the British, Americans, and French. (He also signed the Declaration of Independence, and Constitution, the only person to sign all three.)
The Royal French Farewell
Benjamin Franklin was so popular in France, that a massive crowd gathered at the docks to bid him “bon voyage.” King Louis even sent his royal coach to take gout-plagued Franklin to the harbor – an unprecedented honor.
The “Assembly of Demigods”
Thomas Jefferson referred to the Founding Fathers as “the assembly of demigods.” Benjamin Franklin was one of the greatest. (“Top 5”) About 20,000 Americans attended his funeral in Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin deserves to be remembered and revered by all Americans.
(Sources: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin; Jared Sparks, The Life of Benjamin Franklin; “The Sage of the Age: Dr. Benjamin Franklin,” American Ride, BYUtv; “Benjamin Franklin,” Wikipedia.)
(www.londonedition.net)
The London Edition 