The Articles of Confederation

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) is perhaps one of the United States’ best-known founding fathers and was a prolific writer responsible for the Silence Dogood letters, Poor Richard’s Almanac, and his own autobiography. He was self-taught, spending his youth as a printer’s apprentice while reading and improving his writing skills in the evening. The Enlightenment movement heavily influenced him, and much of his work reflects the reason, practicality, and individualism the style advocates. As a founding father, he believed firmly in the potential for the United States as a democracy. In serving on the Continental Congress, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence, and in 1783, he negotiated the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

When Franklin wrote this document, he was aware that it was unlikely that the Second Continental Congress would adopt it. However, the colonies had just entered the Revolutionary War, and there was a need for them to organize under a common banner. Drawing from the New England confederation plan of 1643 and his own Albany Plan of 1754, Franklin saw that uniting would be useful both militarily and politically. Militarily, this would mean that different states could share armies and resources. Politically, other countries would see them as a singular and strong entity together, opening up opportunities for alliances. Ultimately, after presenting these articles in 1775, he did not force a vote, and they were never discussed again.

Yet, Franklin’s Articles of Confederation were heavily influential in later founding documents, especially the United States Constitution. While the Continental Congress saw his version of a central government as too powerful at the time, the ideas put forth by Franklin resonated so much that a stronger federal government would eventually appear in the Constitution. Likewise, the proportional system of representation would also define what is now the House of Representatives in today’s Congress.

Historian Walter Isaacson writes that progress was a major theme in Franklin’s life, and this is apparent both in his revolutionary approach to government and his work outside of politics (Isaacson, Walter. A Benjamin Franklin Reader. Simon & Schuster. 2013). Franklin is well-known as an inventor and scientist, having conducted many experiments relating to electricity. He is also responsible for the creation of the lightning rod and bifocal glasses. Additionally, Franklin was the United States’ first postmaster general and founder of Philadelphia’s first lending library and firehouse.