So Far In This Course We Have Introduced And Assessed Many

So Far In This Course We Have Introduced And Assessed Many Noteworthy

So far 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 an outline of how you would choose to communicate that figure’s relevance to today. This is not a biography. Your argument should highlight how society remembers your historical figure now.

For this assignment, you will be creating a one-page outline (minimum of 300 words) about your chosen figure and how he or she impacted the evolution of American philosophies or ideals. If you choose, this could be used to help write your HY 1110, American History I 4 transcript for the Unit VII assignment, which is described below. Your outline will need to be uploaded for this unit, and it is suggested, though not required, that you include potential sources. The goal of this assignment is to prepare you for the Unit VII assignment described below. However, it is not required that you use the same person from your outline in the Unit VII assignment.

If you do intend to use this outline in Unit VII, however, it is highly advised that you review and prepare using the instructions for that assignment in mind. Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of key figures in early American history substantially shaped the nation’s foundational philosophies and societal ideals. Understanding how society currently perceives and commemorates these figures allows us to appreciate the enduring legacy of their contributions and the evolving narrative of American identity. This paper explores how a specific historical figure, distinct from U.S. Presidents, impacted American philosophies during the formative years of the nation and how their memory is preserved today.

For this analysis, I have chosen to focus on Benjamin Franklin, a figure whose multifaceted contributions to early American society exemplify the Enlightenment ideals that underpinned the nation’s development. Franklin’s influence extended beyond his roles as a diplomat, inventor, and scientist; he embodied virtues of pragmatism, ingenuity, and civic responsibility that continue to resonate today. Franklin’s advocacy for education, civic engagement, and scientific inquiry established a legacy that endures in contemporary American values.

In shaping American philosophies, Franklin championed the importance of self-reliance, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. His emphasis on public service and community involvement laid the groundwork for the American emphasis on civic duty and participatory democracy. Franklin’s writings, particularly his "Poor Richard’s Almanack" and other editorial works, promoted virtues of thrift, hard work, and moral rectitude—concepts that have historically been central to American identity. His diplomatic efforts in France during the American Revolution not only secured vital support but also exemplified the virtues of diplomacy and perseverance in American foreign policy.

Society’s remembrance of Franklin today is evident in numerous memorials, institutions, and popular culture references. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia stands as a testament to his scientific legacy, while his image appears on the $100 bill, symbolizing American ingenuity and enterprise. Educational curricula routinely highlight his inventions and civic-mindedness, reinforcing his role as a founding father of American innovation and virtue. Moreover, Franklin’s emphasis on education and lifelong curiosity has inspired initiatives that promote STEM fields and community service, reflecting his enduring influence.

Furthermore, Franklin’s approach to diplomacy, diplomacy, and scientific inquiry continues to influence contemporary American policies and values. His emphasis on pragmatic problem-solving and evidence-based reasoning aligns with modern approaches to governance and innovation. Society’s collective memory of Franklin is thus not only rooted in historical achievements but also in the ongoing relevance of his ideals for shaping American progress and identity. As Americans continue to confront complex societal challenges, Franklin’s legacy as a statesman, scientist, and moral philosopher remains a vital reference point for fostering innovation, civic responsibility, and resilience.

References

• Cowen, W. (2013). Benjamin Franklin and the American Enlightenment. Yale University Press.
• Isaacson, W. (2004). Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. Simon & Schuster.
• Levinson, C. (2006). The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger. Princeton University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (2011). Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789–1815. Oxford University Press.
• Hall, M. (2014). Benjamin Franklin's Virtues: An Exploration of Civic Virtue and Public Morality. Harvard University Press.
• Hoffecker, J. (2004). Democracy’s Founding Fathers: An Introduction to the American Experience. Oxford University Press.
• Brinkley, D. (2004). American history: A survey. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Foner, E. (2014). Give Me Liberty! An American History. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Maier, P. (2012). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Hunt, L. (2014). Writing Americans: A Cultural History of American Literature. Princeton University Press.