Benjamin Franklin

Explore the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century's most consequential figures.

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Episodes

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    “An American” (1775-1790)

    S1 Ep2 |
    Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
  • “Join or Die” (1706-1774): asset-mezzanine-16x9
    Embedded Video Link

    “Join or Die” (1706-1774)

    S1 Ep1 |
    After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.

Specials

  • A Discussion with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    Embedded Video Link

    A Discussion with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas

    Ken Burns speaks with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas.
  • Franklin and Revolution: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    Embedded Video Link

    Franklin and Revolution

    Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
  • Benjamin Franklin and American Diplomacy: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    Embedded Video Link

    Benjamin Franklin and American Diplomacy

    Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
  • Franklin and Innovation: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    Embedded Video Link

    Franklin and Innovation

    Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
  • Franklin and Writing: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    Embedded Video Link

    Franklin and Writing

    Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.

About Benjamin Franklin

Ken Burns’s two-part, four-hour documentary, "Benjamin Franklin," explores the revolutionary life of one of the18th century's most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.

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Extras

  • An American Celebrity in France: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    An American Celebrity in France

  • Behind the Scenes | Exploring Benjamin Franklin: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Behind the Scenes | Exploring Benjamin Franklin

  • Benjamin Franklin and Inoculation: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Benjamin Franklin and Inoculation

  • Benjamin Franklin House in London: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Benjamin Franklin House in London

  • Benjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Benjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica

  • Benjamin Franklin’s Theory of Colds: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Benjamin Franklin’s Theory of Colds

  • Compromise and the Constitution of the United States: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Compromise and the Constitution of the United States

  • Franklin and Adams: Rivals on the Same Diplomatic Mission: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Franklin and Adams: Rivals on the Same Diplomatic Mission

  • Franklin and Slave Labor: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Franklin and Slave Labor

  • Franklin and the Antislavery Movement: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Franklin and the Antislavery Movement

  • Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices

  • Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown: asset-mezzanine-16x9
    PBS Video Link

    Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown