History Unplugged Podcast

How Benjamin Franklin’s Stove Invention Kept Early America From Freezing

Apr 8, 2025
Joyce Chaplin, author of "The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution," discusses Benjamin Franklin’s ingenious stove invention designed to combat the Little Ice Age. She reveals how Franklin blended science with practicality, addressing heating challenges and deforestation. The conversation highlights the global spread of the stove and its influence on early American life. Chaplin also draws parallels to today's climate crises, emphasizing the relevance of Franklin's innovations in contemporary environmental debates.
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