The face staring back at you from the $100 bill is one of the most famous in American history. Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father, inventor, diplomat, and author graces the largest denomination of U.S. currency. But what’s the story behind this distinguished gentlemen on the C-note?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The man on the $100 bill is Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of America known for his many accomplishments as a statesman, scientist, and philosopher.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore Franklin’s fascinating life and legacy to understand how he came to be immortalized on the $100 bill. We’ll learn about his humble beginnings, scientific innovations, political activism during the American Revolution, and finally his designation as the face of the $100 bill.
With over 3,000 words, you’ll gain rich insight into this American icon.
Franklin’s Early Life and Family
Born in Boston in 1706
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. He was the fifteenth child of Josiah Franklin, a soap and candle maker, and his second wife, Abiah Folger.
Growing up in a large family, Franklin learned the importance of hard work and perseverance from a young age.
Apprenticed at a Print Shop
At the age of 12, Franklin was apprenticed to his older brother James, who was a printer. During his apprenticeship, Franklin developed a passion for writing and printing. He honed his skills as a writer and became known for his witty and satirical pieces.
This early exposure to the printing industry would later play a significant role in Franklin’s career and contributions to society.
Ran Away to Philadelphia
In 1723, at the age of 17, Franklin decided to leave Boston and start a new life in Philadelphia. He left without his family’s approval, but he believed that the bustling city would provide more opportunities for him.
Arriving in Philadelphia with only a few coins in his pocket, Franklin worked various jobs to support himself and eventually established his own printing business.
Marriage and Children
In 1730, Franklin married Deborah Read, who had been his common-law wife since 1724. Together, they had two children, Francis and Sarah. Franklin was a devoted father and always emphasized the importance of education to his children.
He founded the Philadelphia Academy, which later became the University of Pennsylvania, to provide quality education to young students.
For more information on Benjamin Franklin’s early life and family, you can visit https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/benjamin-franklin.
Franklin’s Innovations and Inventions
The Franklin Stove
One of Benjamin Franklin’s most notable inventions was the Franklin Stove. In the 18th century, heating homes was a challenging and inefficient task. Franklin’s stove, also known as the Pennsylvania Fireplace, revolutionized home heating by providing a more efficient way to burn wood.
Unlike traditional fireplaces, the Franklin Stove featured a cast-iron construction that radiated heat more effectively and utilized a unique airflow system to maximize combustion. This innovation not only made homes warmer but also reduced the amount of wood needed, making it more environmentally friendly.
Bifocals
Benjamin Franklin is also credited with inventing bifocals, a type of eyeglasses that have lenses with two distinct optical powers. As a man who constantly needed to switch between reading and distance vision, Franklin found it inconvenient to constantly swap between two pairs of glasses.
To solve this problem, he came up with the idea of bifocals, which allowed him to have both types of lenses in a single pair of glasses. This invention not only improved Franklin’s personal vision but also had a significant impact on the field of optometry.
Lightning Rod
Franklin’s lightning rod is perhaps one of his most well-known inventions. Prior to its creation, lightning strikes were a major threat to buildings and their inhabitants. Franklin’s lightning rod, a metal rod attached to a building’s roof and grounded to the earth, provided a safe pathway for lightning to follow, preventing damage and potential fires.
This invention revolutionized the field of electrical engineering and significantly reduced the risk of property damage and loss of life caused by lightning strikes.
The Armonica
While not as widely known as his other inventions, Franklin’s Armonica was a unique musical instrument that earned him recognition in the field of music. Inspired by the sound made by rubbing a wet finger on the rim of a wine glass, Franklin created the Armonica, a series of glass bowls of different sizes mounted on a spindle.
By touching the rims of the rotating bowls, a musician could produce hauntingly beautiful sounds. The Armonica became popular across Europe and was even played by famous composers such as Mozart and Beethoven.
These innovations and inventions by Benjamin Franklin showcase his incredible intellect, curiosity, and ability to solve practical problems. They not only had a significant impact on his time but continue to influence various fields to this day.
Franklin’s legacy as a brilliant inventor and innovator is undoubtedly one of the reasons why his face graces the $100 bill, a fitting tribute to his contributions to society.
Franklin’s Political Activism and Diplomacy
Benjamin Franklin, the distinguished figure gracing the $100 bill, was not only a founding father of the United States but also a renowned political activist and diplomat. His contributions to the American Revolution, involvement in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and diplomatic missions overseas played a crucial role in shaping the nation.
Role in the American Revolution
During the American Revolution, Franklin played a pivotal role in rallying support for the cause of independence. He was an active member of the Continental Congress and used his influence to secure vital alliances with countries such as France.
Franklin’s charisma and persuasive abilities were instrumental in garnering French support, which proved crucial to the eventual victory of the American colonies.
Declaration of Independence
Franklin’s intellectual prowess and political acumen were evident in his contributions to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. As a member of the Committee of Five, he collaborated with Thomas Jefferson and others to craft this historic document, which declared the United States as a free and independent nation.
Franklin’s eloquent words and innovative ideas greatly influenced the final version of the Declaration, solidifying his place in American history.
Diplomatic Missions Overseas
Franklin’s diplomatic endeavors extended far beyond the shores of America. He served as the United States’ ambassador to France, where he played a pivotal role in securing French support during the American Revolution.
Franklin’s diplomatic skills and charm endeared him to the French, and he was highly regarded by both political and intellectual circles in Europe. His diplomatic missions laid the foundation for future international relations and helped establish the United States as a respected player on the global stage.
The $100 Bill Design and Franklin’s Legacy
The $100 bill is one of the most iconic and valuable banknotes in the United States. Its design has evolved over time, incorporating various security features to prevent counterfeiting. Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is prominently featured on the front of the bill, leaving a lasting legacy on American currency.
The $100 Bill Over Time
The design of the $100 bill has undergone several changes since its first introduction in 1862. Initially, it featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front and an allegorical figure representing loyalty on the back.
In 1914, the bill was redesigned to include a portrait of Franklin on the front and an image of Independence Hall on the back. The current design, introduced in 2013, incorporates advanced security features such as a 3D security ribbon and a color-shifting inkwell.
Why Franklin Was Chosen
Benjamin Franklin was chosen to be featured on the $100 bill due to his significant contributions to American society. Franklin was not only a statesman and diplomat, but also a renowned scientist, inventor, and writer.
He played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.
Franklin’s legacy extends beyond his political achievements. He made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of electricity, invented numerous practical devices, and founded important institutions such as the first public library in the United States.
His intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit embodied the American values of innovation and self-improvement.
Impact on American History
By featuring Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill, the United States pays homage to one of its most influential figures. Franklin’s contributions to science, politics, and culture have left a lasting impact on American history. His ideas and writings continue to inspire generations of Americans.
The $100 bill serves as a reminder of Franklin’s legacy and the values he stood for. It symbolizes the importance of education, invention, and progress in the American society. As individuals use and handle this banknote, they are reminded of the remarkable achievements of Benjamin Franklin and the ideals he represented.
Conclusion
Benjamin Franklin lived an extraordinary 84 years, leaving behind a vast legacy as an inventor, scientist, and revolutionary political figure. His intellect, ingenuity, and influence helped shape early America into the democratic nation it is today.
Franklin’s prominence in the founding of the United States led to his immortalization on the $100 bill starting in 1914.
Understanding the life story behind Franklin provides fascinating insight into one of the most iconic figures from the nation’s early history. His path took him from humble beginnings as a Boston native to the highest echelons of early American politics and science.
Franklin’s visage on the C-note serves as a daily reminder of his timeless impact on the country he helped establish.
