The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin

In The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin, historian Gordon Wood challenges the conventional perception of Franklin as the quintessentially American figure. He argues that this simplified view obscures the more complex realities of Franklin's identity, including his aspirations as a gentleman, loyalty to the British Crown, and conflicted national identity. Through a fresh examination of Franklin's life, Wood reveals profound insights into his transformation and the broader context of the American Revolution, ultimately reshaping our understanding of this iconic character in American history.