
Franklin’s Observations and Experiments on Electricity
Clip: Episode 1 | 5m 31sVideo has Closed Captions
Franklin studied electricity and proved lightning’s electrical nature with a key and kite.
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.
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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...

Franklin’s Observations and Experiments on Electricity
Clip: Episode 1 | 5m 31sVideo has Closed Captions
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.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Conversations on Franklin
Join hour-long discussions with Ken Burns and special guests, featuring clips from the two-part series.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipBenjamin Franklin Invents the Glass Armonica
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Clip: Ep1 | 1m 55s | Franklin’s musical invention, the armonica, became a sensation in Europe. (1m 55s)
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Clip: Ep1 | 1m 49s | Enslaved Philadelphia residents worked in businesses and homes, including Franklin’s. (1m 49s)
Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices
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Clip: Ep1 | 1m 58s | A visit to a school for Black children challenged Franklin’s racial prejudices. (1m 58s)
Franklin Makes a Name for Himself as a Printer
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Clip: Ep1 | 3m 53s | Franklin’s first published essays were printed under a pseudonym—Silence Dogood. (3m 53s)
Franklin’s Endlessly Quotable Poor Richard’s Almanack
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Clip: Ep1 | 4m 37s | Franklin’s popular "Poor Richard’s Almanack" offered an enduring brand of American humor. (4m 37s)
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Clip: Ep1 | 6m 2s | Franklin, the most famous American in London, became the face of American resistance. (6m 2s)
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Clip: Ep1 | 3m 46s | In 1765, England found a new way to raise money from the American colonies: The Stamp Act. (3m 46s)
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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...



























