One of the founding fathers of the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin is a towering figure in 18th-century history. Although he is widely remembered for his role in the American War of Independence, his influence stretches far beyond that. Elinor Evans spoke to historian and author George Goodwin about the life and legacy of the polymath, from his groundbreaking scientific experiments to his vital contributions to America's independence struggle.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Caesar | 5. The dogs of war
Caesar | 4. Honourable men
Netflix's The Crown: history and storytelling
Boston Tea Party: Igniting a revolution | Trailer
Boston Tea Party | 1. Tea and taxes
Georgian grand houses: the forgotten women who built them
Introducing Life of the Week
Life of the Week: Mansa Musa
Caesar: Death of a Dictator | Trailer
Victoria's armpit and 'giant' bones: body parts that changed history
The American Gilded Age: everything you wanted to know
Books and war: from James Bond to leaflet bombing
Shakespeare: Past Master | 4. Hamlet
Medieval manners: social etiquette in the Middle Ages
Marshal Pétain: Vichy France in the dock
1950s Britain: everything you wanted to know
The dangerous road to the Bastille
Shakespeare: Past Master | 3. Julius Caesar
Du Fu: China's greatest poet
Cities that turbocharged art history
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dan Snow’s History Hit
Gone Medieval
Not Just the Tudors
History Daily
The Ancients