Did Benjamin Franklin have anything to do with the Declaration of Independence?
Asked by: Ericka Ortiz | Last update: February 6, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (75 votes)
Yes, Benjamin Franklin was a key figure in the Declaration of Independence, serving on the Committee of Five that drafted it, acting as a crucial editor (making famous changes like "self-evident"), and lending his immense prestige as the oldest delegate to the Second Continental Congress. While Thomas Jefferson did the primary writing, Franklin's edits, including changing "sacred and undeniable" to "self-evident," strengthened the document's rational appeal.
What did Ben Franklin contribute to the Declaration of Independence?
His most striking contribution was his suggestion to Thomas Jefferson that the phrase 'We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable' be changed to 'We hold these truths to be self evident', which thereby neatly substituted natural law for divine sanction.
What role did Franklin play in the Declaration?
In 1787, Franklin served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at age 81, becoming one of only six men to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. At the Convention's close, when asked what kind of government had been created, he replied, “A republic, madam—if you can keep it.”
Did Benjamin Franklin edit the Declaration of Independence?
After reading Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, Franklin offered only a few edits, but one of them was pivotal.
What did Benjamin Franklin say when he signed the Declaration of Independence?
At the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin reportedly quipped "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately".
Benjamin Franklin and the Fight for Independence
Who actually drafted the Declaration of Independence?
Jefferson drafted the statement between June 11 and 28, submitted drafts to Adams and Franklin who made some changes, and then presented the draft to the Congress following the July 2nd adoption of the independence section of the Lee Resolution.
What was Benjamin Franklin's most famous quote?
Benjamin Franklin's most famous sayings often center on thrift, industry, and wisdom, with "A penny saved is a penny earned" being widely attributed, though he wrote variations like "A penny saved is two pence clear," emphasizing saving money as earning it. Other popular quotes include "Time is money" and his famous observation, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes".
Who actually hand wrote the Declaration of Independence?
While Thomas Jefferson was the primary author and penned the initial drafts, Timothy Matlack physically wrote the famous engrossed (official) parchment copy of the Declaration of Independence on display at the National Archives, using his distinctive script as the clerk for the Continental Congress.
Why is Benjamin Franklin on a $100 bill?
Benjamin Franklin is on the $100 bill because his immense contributions as a statesman, diplomat, inventor, and founding father made him a symbol of American innovation, civic responsibility, and financial acumen, representing intellect and perseverance rather than political power, unlike the presidents on other notes, as he never held the presidency but signed key founding documents. His role in securing French aid during the Revolution and establishing foundational institutions solidified his place on the highest denomination note.
Why did Benjamin Franklin not approve of the Constitution?
Franklin did not list his objections, nor did he express them outside the Convention. He believed that a strong central government was needed and doubted that any other convention could produce a better constitution.
Who was the biggest signature on the Declaration of Independence?
He was the first and third governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His large and stylish signature on the United States Declaration of Independence led to John Hancock or Hancock becoming a colloquialism for a person's signature.
Are there any living descendants of Benjamin Franklin?
Yes, Benjamin Franklin has many living descendants, primarily through his daughter Sally Franklin Bache, as his son William had no surviving male heirs, and his only son with Deborah Read, Francis, died young. Descendants have been identified through projects by organizations like the {Friends of Franklin} (FOF), with some participating in campaigns like {Ancestry's "Declaration Descendants"}.
What were Ben Franklin's last words?
Benjamin Franklin's reported last words were, "A dying man can do nothing easily," uttered to his daughter, Sarah, when she suggested he move to a more comfortable position in bed as he was struggling to breathe. He died on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84, with these words reflecting his struggle with his final illness, according to The National Constitution Center.
What did Franklin change in the Declaration of Independence?
Franklin crossed out “sacred and undeniable” and scribbled something new: “self-evident.”
How old was Benjamin Franklin when he signed the Declaration of Independence?
Two future presidents, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, were among the signatories. Edward Rutledge (age 26) was the youngest signer, and Benjamin Franklin (age 70) was the oldest signer.
Did the French help the Americans in the War of Independence?
Between 1778 and 1782 the French provided supplies, arms and ammunition, uniforms, and, most importantly, troops and naval support to the beleaguered Continental Army. The French navy transported reinforcements, fought off a British fleet, and protected Washington's forces in Virginia.
Who's on the $500 dollar bill?
Who is on the $500 bill? The most widely recognized $500 bill features William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. Earlier versions displayed historical figures such as John Quincy Adams and Chief Justice John Marshall.
What $2 bill is worth $20,000?
A $2 bill worth $20,000 is typically a 1928 Series Red Seal $2 Bill in perfect, uncirculated condition (especially the rare 1928-B ★), or a 1976 Bicentennial $2 Bill with a "fancy" serial number, like a low number (e.g., L00000001A), solid number (e.g., 88888888), or ladder number (e.g., 12345678) in pristine condition, with some rare serial number errors selling for even more. The value hinges on the bill's age, condition (uncirculated is best), and its unique serial number or printing error.
How much is a 1969 $100 bill worth?
A 1969 $100 Federal Reserve Note is generally worth a small premium over face value, often ranging from about $110 to over $200, depending heavily on its condition (from worn to uncirculated) and if it's a rare star note or from a specific district, with uncirculated notes fetching more, sometimes around $165 or more.
Did the Founding Fathers put God in the constitution?
No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God or a supreme being in its main text, a deliberate choice by the Founding Fathers to establish a secular government and protect religious freedom, though it does contain a date reference ("Year of our Lord") and the First Amendment prevents religious tests for office, reflecting a consensus on separation of church and state despite their personal faith.
How much jail time for stealing the Declaration of Independence?
18 U.S.C. 668 (THEFT OF MAJOR ARTWORK) – “A person who steals or obtains by fraud from the care, custody, or control of a 'museum' any 'object of cultural heritage'… shall be fined [up to $250,000], imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.” 18 U.S.C.
Who were the 5 people who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
The five writers, known as the "Committee of Five," who drafted the Declaration of Independence were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, with Jefferson writing the initial draft, though all contributed to the final document before the Continental Congress adopted it.
What did Mark Twain think of Benjamin Franklin?
As Twain put it, Franklin's “simplest acts were contrived with a view to their being held up for the emulation of boys forever – boys who might otherwise have been happy.” Twain could trust that Franklin's works would be familiar to almost any audience, a ubiquity truly unusual for the time.
What does it say on Benjamin Franklin's tombstone?
Franklin's actual grave, however, as he specified in his final will, simply reads “Benjamin and Deborah Franklin.” Yes, he was married, although the common-law Mrs.
What is the most famous quote ever said?
There's no single "most famous" quote, but top contenders include iconic lines like Neil Armstrong's "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind", Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage," and famous advice like "If you can dream it, you can do it" (Walt Disney) or "The unexamined life is not worth living" (Socrates), often cited for their profound impact and widespread recognition.