Carla J. Mulford
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- June 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199384198
- eISBN:
- 9780199384211
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199384198.003.0009
- Subject:
- Literature, American, 18th Century and Early American Literature
This chapter treats the years of the Revolution against Great Britain and Franklin’s diplomacy in France. Although he was advanced in age and facing uncertain health, Franklin worked tirelessly to ...
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This chapter treats the years of the Revolution against Great Britain and Franklin’s diplomacy in France. Although he was advanced in age and facing uncertain health, Franklin worked tirelessly to secure the Revolution. He became a much-consulted strategist for many of the decisions made by Congress. Highlights of Franklin’s activities include his propaganda writing; his work in Congress, especially serving the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence; his crucial role in diplomatic relations between France and British North America during and after the American Revolution; and his work to secure the Peace of Paris of 1783. As part of the treaty negotiations, Franklin was seeking reparations for Americans whose property was destroyed during the war. He was also working hard to assist Americans taken prisoner of war and held—in deplorable conditions—in prisons in Britain.Less
This chapter treats the years of the Revolution against Great Britain and Franklin’s diplomacy in France. Although he was advanced in age and facing uncertain health, Franklin worked tirelessly to secure the Revolution. He became a much-consulted strategist for many of the decisions made by Congress. Highlights of Franklin’s activities include his propaganda writing; his work in Congress, especially serving the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence; his crucial role in diplomatic relations between France and British North America during and after the American Revolution; and his work to secure the Peace of Paris of 1783. As part of the treaty negotiations, Franklin was seeking reparations for Americans whose property was destroyed during the war. He was also working hard to assist Americans taken prisoner of war and held—in deplorable conditions—in prisons in Britain.
