Waubonsee Community College

Benjamin Franklin and the ends of empire, Carla J. Mulford

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 391-408) and index

contains biographical information

illustrationsmaps

index present

non fiction

Benjamin Franklin and the ends of empire

bibliography

898531108

Carla J. Mulford

Drawing from Benjamin Franklin's published and unpublished papers, including letters, notes, and marginalia, Benjamin Franklin and the Ends of Empire examines how the early modern liberalism of Franklin's youthful intellectual life helped foster his vision of independence from Britain that became his hallmark achievement. In the early chapters, Carla J. Mulford explores the impact of Franklin's family history - especially their difficult times during the English Civil War - on Franklin's intellectual life and his personal and political goals. -- from dust jacket

"This obscure family of ours was early in the Reformation": on family memory -- "I had such a thirst for knowledge": Franklin's Boston youth -- Franklin's imperial imaginings: "coined land" and global goals -- Pennsylvania politics and the problems of empire -- "People in the colonies...better judges": observing empire at midcentury -- Franklin in London's theatre of empire -- Love of country -- Rebellion to tyrants, obedience to God -- "I intended well, and I hope all will end well": Franklin's last years -- Conclusion