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Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices

Season 1 Episode 1 | 1m 58s

Deborah Franklin encouraged her husband to visit a new school for enslaved and free Black children in Philadelphia. After his visit, Benjamin Franklin admitted that he had previously held a low opinion of the “natural Capacities of the black Race,” but observing the children at school had proven his prejudices wrong. He now knew they were “in every Respect equal to that of white Children.”

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
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
Franklin and Adams have to share a bedroom in a humorous scene not in the final film.
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
This extended scene from BENJAMIN FRANKLIN includes bonus material not in the final film.
Get an inside look from Ken Burns on the making of Benjamin Franklin.
Ken Burns explores the revolutionary life of Benjamin Franklin.
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
The Treaty of Paris ended a war, secured Independence and created an Empire.
Franklin and Adams frustrated each other in France with opposing approaches to diplomacy.
Franklin, the most famous American in London, became the face of American resistance.
Latest Episodes
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.