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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.

Watch • 1:54:59
Benjamin Franklin
“An American” (1775-1790)
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:59
Watch • 7:05
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin and the Antislavery Movement
Late in life, Franklin petitioned Congress to end slavery in the United States.
Clip: 7:05
Watch • 4:20
Benjamin Franklin
The Treaty of Paris, 1783
The Treaty of Paris ended a war, secured Independence and created an Empire.
Clip: 4:20
Corporate funding for BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine; University of Pennsylvania; Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; Kissick Family Foundation; Deborah and Jon Dawson; Diane and Hal Brierley; McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Cappy and Janie McGarr; Lavender Butterfly Fund; and Susan and Charles Shanor Charitable Trust.
Latest Episodes
Watch • 1:54:59
Benjamin Franklin
“An American” (1775-1790)
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:59
Watch • 1:55:26
Benjamin Franklin
“Join or Die” (1706-1774)
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:55:26
Extras
Watch • 3:53
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin Makes a Name for Himself as a Printer
Franklin’s first published essays were printed under a pseudonym—Silence Dogood.
Clip: 3:53
Watch • 4:03
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin and Adams: Rivals on the Same Diplomatic Mission
Franklin and Adams frustrated each other in France with opposing approaches to diplomacy.
Clip: 4:03
Watch • 2:39
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown
A month after the end of the battle, Franklin finally got the news from Yorktown.
Clip: 2:39
Watch • 3:03
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin’s Theory of Colds
Franklin and Adams have to share a bedroom in a humorous scene not in the final film.
Clip: 3:03
Watch • 1:55
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica
Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe.
Clip: 1:55
Watch • 4:37
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin’s Endlessly Quotable Poor Richard’s Almanack
Franklin’s popular "Poor Richard’s Almanack" offered an enduring brand of American humor.
Clip: 4:37
Watch • 4:37
Benjamin Franklin
An American Celebrity in France
Benjamin Franklin arrived in France, hoping to win French support for the Revolution.
Clip: 4:37
Watch • 5:15
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin House in London
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
Clip: 5:15
Watch • 2:26
Benjamin Franklin
The Franklins Choose Opposing Sides in the Revolution
The American Revolution tore families apart, including the Franklins.
Clip: 2:26
Watch • 3:46
Benjamin Franklin
The Stamp Act
In 1765, England found a new way to raise money from the American colonies: The Stamp Act.
Clip: 3:46
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