Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin was a remarkably talented man. He began his career as a simple apprentice printer, but went far beyond the print shop. He developed products well beyond their time. The Franklin stove for example, for cold winter nights and bifocal lenses for reading. Franklin tracked storm tracks to help understand the severe weather endured by the colonies. His study of electricity made him famous as he was known throughout the world as the inventor of the lightning rod. Not only did Ben Franklin help develop ideas for a better life, but he also played an important role in the development of the new American nation. Benjamin Franklin's political views showed that he was a man who loved freedom and self-government. His views on Britain gradually changed from favor to disfavor until he finally became a revolutionary at the age of 70. But his political views are not limited to contributing to the formation of the United States. His common sense, wit, and ability to negotiate behind the scenes all contributed to the formation of the new overseas country. Franklin's good humor and gift for compromise often helped avoid bitter disputes that could have blocked the formation of the new government. It is interesting to note that Ben Franklin, who was one of the main participants in the battle for independence, "had a lot to lose." (Wright 1986, page 204). He resided in London and exercised influence in England. However, his love of liberty and his desire to promote the welfare of Pennsylvania moved him toward independence for the colonies. Franklin had to wrestle with his conscience about his own private affairs. Moreover, because he was well respected in England, he was "the man of the establishment", although he now felt a deep unease over the fundamental question: what was Parliament's authority over the American colonies? (Wright, page 205). At first, Franklin wanted the colonies to be a free and independent nation under the benevolent and protective umbrella of the British Empire. "He dreamed... of a great British Empire, stretching across the globe, based on a community of free nations, each with its own laws, its own government and its own liberties, but bound together by a compact with the Crown for mutual benefit, mutual interest." the defense and propagation of English liberties. (Schoenbrun 1976, p... middle of article ...... having a considerable impact in favor of the colonist, it became increasingly impossible for Britain to devote its full attention to the war. Britain needed a way out and Franklin played a leading role "Franklin was appointed in 1781 as a commissioner to negotiate peace with Britain." very good negotiator because "the Northern Ministry passed two conciliatory bills in Parliament which gave the Americans everything that was possible for them in his peace negotiations and a desire for freedom for the people of the North. new world His greatest hope was that Britain would be the great caring homeland protecting a young free nation across the sea. Of course, that wasn't going to happen, he assured himself. therefore that the best for America would be assured through its efforts to bring France to the aid of the colonies and to finally establish a workable peace between Great Britain and America..