Extras
The Treaty of Paris ended a war, secured Independence and created an Empire.
The Treaty of Paris, 1783
In 1765, England found a new way to raise money from the American colonies: The Stamp Act.
The Stamp Act
Franklin, the most famous American in London, became the face of American resistance.
Publicly Humiliated in London
Franklin’s Observations and Experiments on Electricity
Franklin studied electricity and proved lightning’s electrical nature with a key and kite.
Franklin’s Observations and Experiments on Electricity
Franklin’s Endlessly Quotable Poor Richard’s Almanack
Franklin’s popular "Poor Richard’s Almanack" offered an enduring brand of American humor.
Franklin’s Endlessly Quotable Poor Richard’s Almanack
The Franklins Choose Opposing Sides in the Revolution
The American Revolution tore families apart, including the Franklins.
The Franklins Choose Opposing Sides in the Revolution
Franklin Makes a Name for Himself as a Printer
Franklin’s first published essays were printed under a pseudonym—SIlence Dogood.
Franklin Makes a Name for Himself as a Printer
Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown
A month after the end of the battle, Franklin finally got the news from Yorktown.
Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown
Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices
A visit to a school for Black children challenged Franklin’s racial prejudices.
Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices
Franklin and the Antislavery Movement
Late in life, Franklin petitioned Congress to end slavery in the United States.
Franklin and the Antislavery Movement
Enslaved Philadelphia residents worked in businesses and homes, including Franklin’s.
Franklin and Slave Labor
Franklin and Adams: Rivals on the Same Diplomatic Mission
Franklin and Adams frustrated each other in France with opposing approaches to diplomacy.
Franklin and Adams: Rivals on the Same Diplomatic Mission
The Declaration of Independence
Franklin made a pivotal edit to Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence
Compromise and the Constitution of the United States
As impasse threatened the Constitutional Convention, Franklin appealed for Compromise.
Compromise and the Constitution of the United States
Benjamin Franklin’s Theory of Colds
Franklin and Adams have to share a bedroom in a humorous scene not in the final film.
Benjamin Franklin’s Theory of Colds
Benjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica
Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe.
Benjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica
Benjamin Franklin House in London
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
Benjamin Franklin House in London
Benjamin Franklin and Inoculation
This extended scene from BENJAMIN FRANKLIN includes bonus material not in the final film.
Benjamin Franklin and Inoculation
Behind the Scenes | Exploring Benjamin Franklin
Get an inside look from Ken Burns on the making of Benjamin Franklin.
Behind the Scenes | Exploring Benjamin Franklin
An American Celebrity in France
Benjamin Franklin arrived in France, hoping to win French support for the Revolution.