Some people will argue that the true birth of United States of America started with George Washington leading the Continental Army against Great Britain's royal army in pursuit of freedom from foreign dictatorship; seizing the opportunity to create and control their own government in the manner in which they sought fit. One of the major forces in this battle for freedom was the diplomatic travels of Benjamin Franklin. His travels to England and France set the foundation for the dealings in foreign diplomacy that are still in effect today. Without Benjamin Franklin's wisdom, knowledge and courage to address Kings and Parliament on the behalf of the colonies, the American government, as we know it would not exist.

Benjamin was born January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts the 15th of 17 children. His father, Josiah Franklin was a soap and candle maker and his mother's name was Abiah. With only two years...