Chapter Twelve Summary and Analysis

Chapter Twelve takes place in Philadelphia from 1775-1776. On the voyage back to the colonies Franklin studies the Gulf Stream. The situation in America is more dire than Franklin knows: British troops attempt to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock on April 18, 1775 but Paul Revere spreads the alarm. Americans cannot agree on whether the war should be fought for complete independence or for American rights within the British empire. Franklin and William fight over Temple and politics. Franklin is the oldest member of Congress. Franklin's journey to becoming a rebel is not a straight path. He believes in the middling people and merit based on achievement rather than birth. Britain makes it clear to the colonies that they are second-class citizens, which leaves no choice but rebellion. Franklin writes an angry letter to his friend William Straham. He never...