- 1. In 'Benjamin Franklin', Carl Van Doren presents a detailed and engaging biography of one of America’s most beloved founding fathers. The book delves into Franklin’s multifaceted life as a statesman, inventor, philosopher, and diplomat, capturing the essence of a man who was not only a key figure in American history but also a polymath whose curiosity and intellect spanned across various disciplines. Van Doren meticulously chronicles Franklin's early life in Boston, his rise from a humble candle maker’s son to a prominent printer and publisher in Philadelphia, and his later influential roles in the American Revolution, including his essential contributions to the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States. He highlights Franklin's wit and wisdom, reflected in his writings and his famous 'Poor Richard's Almanack', which offers insights into his thoughts on life, morality, and the human condition. The biography also touches on Franklin's adventurous spirit, which led him to experiment with electricity and to invent objects that improved daily life, demonstrating his belief in the power of knowledge and innovation. Van Doren's narrative is rich with historical context, bringing to life the trials and triumphs of Franklin's life while also exploring his complex personality, including his relationships with family, friends, and political figures of his time. Ultimately, Van Doren’s work portrays Franklin not just as a historical icon, but as a relatable and deeply human individual whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Which city is Benjamin Franklin closely associated with?
A) New York
B) Boston
C) Philadelphia
D) Washington, D.C.
- 2. What did Franklin famously kite experiment prove?
A) Flight
B) Magnetism
C) Electricity
D) Gravity
- 3. In which year was Franklin born?
A) 1695
B) 1715
C) 1730
D) 1706
- 4. Franklin was the first Postmaster General of the United States in what year?
A) 1765
B) 1775
C) 1776
D) 1789
- 5. What is Benjamin Franklin considered one of the Founding Fathers of?
A) Great Britain
B) Canada
C) France
D) The United States
- 6. Franklin played a significant role in which event?
A) American Revolution
B) Civil War
C) War of 1812
D) Spanish-American War
- 7. Which treaty did Franklin help negotiate to end the American Revolutionary War?
A) Treaty of Versailles
B) Treaty of Ghent
C) Treaty of Paris
D) Treaty of Tordesillas
- 8. What did Franklin invent that is still commonly used today?
A) Printing press
B) Thermometer
C) Light bulb
D) Bifocal glasses
- 9. What philosophy did Franklin advocate regarding personal improvement?
A) Fatalism
B) Determinism
C) Relativism
D) Self-improvement
- 10. Franklin was involved in the founding of what institution?
A) University of Pennsylvania
B) Harvard University
C) Yale University
D) Columbia University
- 11. Which virtue did Franklin emphasize in his moral teachings?
A) Indulgence
B) Anger
C) Greed
D) Temperance
- 12. Which of Franklin's inventions was aimed at improving safety?
A) Fire extinguisher
B) Lightning rod
C) Iron safe
D) Smoke detector
- 13. Franklin's colony of virtues included how many main virtues?
A) 14
B) 13
C) 10
D) 12
- 14. In which philosophical movement was Franklin involved?
A) Surrealism
B) Realism
C) Enlightenment
D) Romanticism
- 15. What was Benjamin Franklin's primary profession?
A) Printer
B) Scientist
C) Lawyer
D) Politician
- 16. In which city was Benjamin Franklin born?
A) New York
B) Boston
C) Philadelphia
D) London
- 17. Which book did Franklin publish that contained his well-known maxims?
A) The Federalist Papers
B) Poor Richard's Almanack
C) The Autobiography
D) Common Sense
- 18. What was Franklin's role in the American Revolution?
A) Spy
B) Governor
C) Diplomat
D) General
- 19. With which country did Franklin negotiate an alliance during the Revolution?
A) Britain
B) Netherlands
C) Spain
D) France
- 20. What club did Franklin found in 1727?
A) Junto
B) Freemasons
C) Sons of Liberty
D) Quakers
- 21. What was Franklin's view on slavery later in his life?
A) Abolitionist
B) Neutral
C) Pro-slavery
D) Indifferent
- 22. What position did Franklin hold in Pennsylvania?
A) Senator
B) Governor-general
C) Mayor
D) President (Governor)
- 23. What is the main focus of Carl Van Doren's biography of Benjamin Franklin?
A) Franklin's inventions only
B) Franklin's life and contributions to America
C) Franklin's relationships with women
D) Franklin's role in European politics
- 24. What is one of the most famous sayings attributed to Franklin?
A) A penny saved is a penny earned.
B) Money can't buy happiness.
C) Time is money.
D) The early bird catches the worm.
- 25. In what year did Benjamin Franklin die?
A) 1800
B) 1785
C) 1795
D) 1790
- 26. Franklin wrote under various pseudonyms, including which of the following?
A) Lysander Spooner
B) Pseudolus
C) Silence Dogood
D) Mark Twain
- 27. Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack was published annually for how many years?
A) 15 years
B) 25 years
C) 10 years
D) 30 years
- 28. What iconic symbol did Franklin famously suggest for the seal of the United States?
A) A bear
B) An eagle
C) A turkey
D) A lion
- 29. What was Franklin's role in the Philadelphia Convention?
A) Governor
B) Military Leader
C) Delegate
D) Judicial Advisor
- 30. Franklin is known for establishing the first volunteer fire company in America. What was it called?
A) Union Fire Company
B) Philadelphia Fire Brigade
C) Liberty Fire Company
D) First Responders
- 31. Franklin's famous quote, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' relates to which field?
A) Education
B) Politics
C) Public health
D) Economics
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