Benjamin Franklin Statue

I have a soft spot for Benjamin Franklin for his intelligence, his common sense, his wisdom, his witty sense of humor, his creativity and accomplishments as a writer, scientist, politician, etc. A true Renaissance man!

Benjamin Franklin spent nine years in Paris from 1776 to 1785 and he is responsible for great diplomatic achievements that helped the American Revolution succeed:

First with the 1778 Treaties of Alliance and Trade where France was the first European power to recognize the United States as an independent nation and engage in the war against England.

Secondly with the 1783 Treaty of Paris where England finally recognized the independence of the United States.

The Paris statue is a copy of that located at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.