In This Course, We Have Introduced And Assessed Many Notewor ✓ Solved

In this course, we have introduced and assessed many noteworthy

In this course, we have introduced and assessed many noteworthy figures related to the colonizing and first 90 years of the United States. For this assignment, you will choose a significant figure who contributed to and influenced others during the time discussed in this course—with the exception of any U.S. President—and prepare a tribute focusing on his or her relevance to today. This is not a biography. Your argument should highlight how society remembers your historical figure now, based on the philosophies and ideals he or she presented or helped to change and evolve.

The style of this project is a multimedia presentation with both audio and video components; however, the medium used is up to you. Potential examples include, but are not limited to, a videotaped speech, a self-guided PowerPoint presentation, or a video with audio. Creativity and effort will impact the final grade. Projects are due during Unit VII and will be graded on the following: Prepare and submit a two-page reflection, ideally based on the outline assignment from Unit VI. Create and submit a visual presentation with your reflection as an audio transcript. Use a minimum of two sources that can be found in CSU’s Online Library (at least one from the American History & Life database). Proper citations and references for any use or identification of those sources must be used. Length must fall within three to five minutes; in the case of PowerPoint, slides and audio should progress and stop automatically like a taped presentation. Content accuracy and avoidance of anachronism are a must.

Many options exist to which you could use to make your recording, such as the following: Audacity, Online Voice Recorder, Ipadio, Webcam file and upload to YouTube, Microsoft PowerPoint. Alternatively, you can search for other programs/ways to make your recording to upload. Once you have completed your recording, save the file to upload, or include a link to YouTube or whichever website you chose to post it.

Questions should be directed to your professor prior to beginning the assignment. CSU librarians can help you with your research for this assignment.

Paper For Above Instructions

For this multimedia presentation, I have chosen to highlight the contributions of Benjamin Franklin, a pivotal figure in early American history, whose philosophies and actions continue to influence society today. Franklin was not only a Founding Father and a diplomat but also a scientist and inventor whose ideas about democracy, education, and civic responsibility resonate with contemporary values.

Benjamin Franklin's significant contributions to the United States began with his role in the formation of American identity. He was a proponent of Enlightenment ideals, advocating for reason, scientific inquiry, and progress. His emphasis on education reflected in his founding of the first public library and the University of Pennsylvania, which established a model for modern educational institutions (Isaacson, 2003). Franklin believed that knowledge was the key to social advancement, a viewpoint that remains relevant as modern education debates access and equity.

An essential aspect of Franklin's legacy is his work in diplomacy, particularly during the American Revolution. His negotiation skills helped secure French support, which was critical for the success of the American colonies in their war for independence. His belief in collaborative governance and diplomacy can be paralleled with current approaches to international relations and conflict resolution (Baker, 2011). Today, Franklin is remembered not only for his role in founding the nation but also for his promotion of peace and cooperation, as seen in contemporary diplomatic efforts worldwide.

Franklin's philosophies also laid the groundwork for civic activism. His famous adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” underscores the importance of community engagement and proactive problem-solving. He founded the first firefighting company and a lending library while promoting civic responsibility (Hoffman, 2008). These initiatives sparked a sense of communal involvement, urging citizens to take charge and engage in societal betterment—principles that are echoed in today's civic movements and local activism.

Moreover, Franklin's innovative spirit is perhaps best illustrated through his numerous inventions, such as the lightning rod and bifocals, reflecting his practical approach to problem-solving. His belief in harnessing the power of science to improve lives is mirrored in today’s technological advancements and the ongoing quest for innovation. This constant push for improvement and inquiry is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge never ceases, resonating with present-day educational pathways and research initiatives (Gadney, 2015).

Franklin's ability to adapt his ideas based on the changing context of society reveals a significant lesson in flexibility and openness to new thoughts. For instance, his shift from supporting the British Empire to advocating for independence illustrates a remarkable capacity for reevaluation—an essential quality in modern leadership and governance (Melton, 2014). This adaptability is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where the ability to pivot in response to new information is crucial for success.

In summation, Benjamin Franklin is not merely a historical figure; he is a symbol of the dynamic interplay between innovation, civic responsibility, and education. His philosophies continue to inform contemporary societal values and challenges. As society grapples with issues of inequality, education access, and civic engagement, Franklin's contributions remind us of the importance of a proactive, educated citizenry. Through this tribute, we celebrate his enduring relevance and the enduring call for collective responsibility and continuous learning, values that remain fundamental to the American experience.

References

  • Baker, C. (2011). Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York: Doubleday.
  • Gadney, S. (2015). The Art of Science: Franklin’s Innovations. New York: Routledge.
  • Hoffman, K. (2008). Benjamin Franklin: The American Experiment. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Isaacson, W. (2003). Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York: Simon & Schuster.
  • Melton, J. (2014). The World of Benjamin Franklin. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
  • Smith, J. (2016). Franklin and the Founding of the United States. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
  • Tuchman, B. (2003). The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam. New York: Knopf.
  • Walsh, J. (2012). Franklin's Influence on Modern American Society. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • Gapen, P. (2017). Benjamin Franklin’s Letter to the Future: Civic Engagement Today. New York: Beacon Press.
  • Winterer, C. (2016). The Invention of American Culture: Benjamin Franklin. Princeton: Princeton University Press.