Benjamin Franklin: Paris & the Revolution, 1775-78

At the start of the American Revolution, the Continentals are desperate for financial aid and important military supplies like gunpowder and muskets. Without these materials, which cannot not be manufactured in the quantities needed in the 13 colonies, the revolution is doomed to failure. The fate of the war, and the existence of the United States, rests on the ability to procure these supplies as much as Washington’s ability to succeed on the battlefield.

France, Britain’s oldest and most steadfast rival, is a natural candidate to aid the Colonists. Unfortunately for the Americans, in 1776 France and Britain are enjoying a rare peace, and Congress therefore needs a skilled diplomat in Paris with the ability to persuade the French to support, at least secretly, the American Revolution...

This episode in our American Revolution Series details Benjamin Franklin's critical role in securing vital war materials, aid, and ultimately an alliance with the ancien régime in Paris.

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History Rebels: welcome to our series on the American Revolution. Join us as we explore the key battles, strategies, and politics that led to the birth of a nation!

You can support the channel via our Patreon (and join for free) or YouTube Membership. Paid members get early access to videos and voting on future content. Thank you to all those able to support!

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Credits:

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:25 Arrival in Paris

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Notable Sources:
Benjamin Franklin, An American Life, Walter Isaacson
A little Revenge, William Randall
The First American, H.W. Brands
Benjamin Franklin in Paris, Thomas Fleming
American Revolutions: A Continental History, Alan Taylor

#benjaminfranklin #benjamin #franklin #history #americanrevolution #independenceday #historical #revolution #battles #battlefield #war

[HistoryRebels]

Hi everyone - apologies that this is a major departure from the regular style, which I appreciate won't be to everyone's taste. This is just a one off however, and future videos will return to the usual format. For those interested, because this is about a person and not a battle, I had been really struggling to find enough licence free imagines and map content to fill the 16 minutes - hence using clips. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

[danieljudah]

I love the topic! American victory is not only won on the battlefield but also won in diplomacy and espionage. We got tons of videos about the battles but we surely lack videos about diplomacy, espionage, economics, and many other factors.

[ISawABear]

Geoffrey Wilkinson's is the best Benjamin Franklin portrayal ever put to screen. RIP to a brilliant actor.

[revere]

The French supplied over 100, 000 muskets to support the American cause, possibly reaching a total of 200, 000.

The muskets were priced at $5 each, and the French extended credit to the Americans for the purchase of the firearms.

In America, it cost approximately $10-12 to manufacture a gun during that period.

Benjamin Franklin expressed optimism, stating 'if half of the ordered guns arrive, we will have done well.'

Vive Le France!

Great Content as always. Such a great narration voice!

[SeawardPuppy]

It's funny. I just finished watching the HBO John Adams series a few days ago after it caught my eye. I really only watched it because of how captivated I was by your channel and the content that was covered. Then here you are covering it in detail, using clips from the show. Funny how the world works...

[Zepol]

Pail giamatti nailed his roles as john addams! I first i thought it was another episode of drunk history but then paul pulled it off and i was like this is actually good.

[ryanabercrombie]

I think this change of style went perfectly well. You explained a fantastic overview of Franklin's significant contribution to the war and HBO John Adams was definitely worth using. Its an incredibly well written mini series and provides a clear visual interpretation on the history being covered.
Well done! :)

[davidnemoseck]

Another great episode! Knew Franklin had did a lot things, but didn't know how devious he was. The man was so brilliant in so many things its scary.

[DukeExemplo]

Great episode! Well done for giving Franklin, diplomacy and spies their time in the spotlight, alongside battles and campaigns

[andychap]

Appreciate this channel, I am Australian and love learning history like this

[fullchicken]

Hey what perfect timing, the series FRANKLIN on Apple TV just released today, and I’m sure it covers some of the events here.

[PastInNumbers]

You could do voice narration’s for a living!
Great content!

[jamiemdk]

This amazing quality needs more attention.

[Bearjew]

It's a good day! Love the videos.

[HerrMann]

Just came off of watching a few episodes of John Adams with my dad, then you upload!

Great work as always man!

[epicazeroth]

Here's hoping the upcoming Franklin series is at least passably accurate, and of course well made as well. I'm a bit worried after Manhunt though.

[philipsalama]

Franklin was a hell of a smooth operator.

[josww]

Amazing American history production! Can't wait for the next one!

[dasalsakid]

just in time for Franklin on Apple Tv+! love this post thank you

[ComfortsSpecter]

Incredible work

Great effort covering the more obscure aspects


some immensely important History