Benjamin Franklin's Background and Early Life

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1706, during a time when the American colonies were under British rule. Despite not having access to a formal education, Franklin developed exceptional writing skills through extensive reading and practice. He became widely known for his wit and intellect, publishing sayings in Poor Richard's Almanac that are still quoted today. Franklin's early years were marked by rebelliousness, including writing controversial articles under a pen name that caused trouble for his brother's newspaper and mocking the Puritan Church. Despite setbacks, Franklin's determination and intelligence shaped his trajectory as an inventor, diplomat, and key figure in American history.