America was trembling on the eve of a tremendous upheaval; it was an exciting, turbulent era. There were Indian uprisings, and Pennsylvania, as all the colonies, had a frontier to defend.

There were wars with the French. The old order was being challenged on all fronts.

Throughout the new world of America, there swirled new and exciting ideas. There was the concept that people should be free and should be allowed to choose those who would govern them. How to solve civic problems was an issue with which Franklin was often concerned; he thought about how government could address issues of public concern yet not encroach on private freedoms. Around him, old political ideas were being scrutinized and challenged. Scientific thought was being re-examined. An intellectual explorer, Franklin was at the forefront of both social and scientific movements.

During this immensely exciting time, Franklin played a significant role...