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Franklin’s Observations and Experiments on Electricity

Season 1 Episode 1 | 5m 31s

Franklin made groundbreaking discoveries in his study of electricity. He wrote up his observations and experiments, which were published abroad and made him world-famous. He coined new terms—like “positive,” “negative,” “charge,” “conductor” and “battery.” And he proved that lightning was electrical in nature with his famous experiment in 1752 with a kite and a key.

Episodes presented in 4K UHD on supported devices. 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.
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Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
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Extras
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
Franklin and Adams have to share a bedroom in a humorous scene not in the final film.
Ken Burns explores the revolutionary life of Benjamin Franklin.
Get an inside look from Ken Burns on the making of Benjamin Franklin.
This extended scene from BENJAMIN FRANKLIN includes bonus material not in the final film.
Franklin, the most famous American in London, became the face of American resistance.
Franklin and Adams frustrated each other in France with opposing approaches to diplomacy.
The Treaty of Paris ended a war, secured Independence and created an Empire.
Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe.
Enslaved Philadelphia residents worked in businesses and homes, including Franklin’s.
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