100 WVIA Way
Pittston, PA 18640

Phone: 570-826-6144
Fax: 570-655-1180

Copyright © 2025 WVIA, all rights reserved. WVIA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
In just 10 seconds, YOU can take a stand for WVIA! Tell Congress to Protect Public Media NOW!

The Stamp Act

3m 46s

The recent war with France had expanded England’s empire, but left its treasury depleted. In the spring of 1765, the king’s ministers and Parliament came up with a new way to raise more money from the American colonies: The Stamp Act. Now, all legal documents, newspapers, books, almanacs—even decks of playing cards—would need official stamps, purchased from the government.

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’s first published essays were printed under a pseudonym—Silence Dogood.
Franklin and Adams frustrated each other in France with opposing approaches to diplomacy.
A month after the end of the battle, Franklin finally got the news from Yorktown.
Franklin and Adams have to share a bedroom in a humorous scene not in the final film.
Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe.
Franklin’s popular "Poor Richard’s Almanack" offered an enduring brand of American humor.
Benjamin Franklin arrived in France, hoping to win French support for the Revolution.
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
The American Revolution tore families apart, including the Franklins.
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.