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Benjamin Franklin

The Declaration of Independence

Season 1 Episode 2 | 3m 17s

After reading Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, Franklin offered only a few edits, but one of them was pivotal. In his draft, Jefferson’s most important sentence began, “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable, that all men are created equal…” Franklin crossed out “sacred and undeniable” and wrote in “self-evident.”

Episodes presented in 4K UHD on supported devices. 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.
Extras
Watch • 1:54:39
Benjamin Franklin
“An American” (1775-1790)
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:39
Watch • 3:03
Benjamin Franklin
Bonus Material | 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 • 5:15
Benjamin Franklin
Bonus Material | Benjamin Franklin House in London
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
Clip: 5:15
Watch • 6:09
Benjamin Franklin
Bonus material | Benjamin Franklin and Inoculation
This extended scene from BENJAMIN FRANKLIN includes bonus material not in the final film.
Clip: 6:09
Watch • 2:02
Benjamin Franklin
Behind the Scenes | Exploring Benjamin Franklin
Get an inside look from Ken Burns on the making of Benjamin Franklin.
Clip: 2:02
Watch • 0:31
Benjamin Franklin
Official Trailer
Ken Burns explores the revolutionary life of Benjamin Franklin.
Preview: 0:31
Watch • 1:55:07
Benjamin Franklin
“Join or Die” (1706-1774)
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:55:07
Watch • 5:31
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin’s Observations and Experiments on Electricity
Franklin studied electricity and proved lightning’s electrical nature with a key and kite.
Clip: S1 E1 | 5:31
Watch • 1:58
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices
A visit to a school for Black children challenged Franklin’s racial prejudices.
Clip: S1 E1 | 1:58
Watch • 1:55
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica
Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe.
Clip: S1 E1 | 1:55
Latest Episodes
Watch • 1:54:39
Benjamin Franklin
“An American” (1775-1790)
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:39
Watch • 1:55:07
Benjamin Franklin
“Join or Die” (1706-1774)
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:55:07