The Story of How British Aristocrats Turned Benjamin Franklin into an American Patriot—In Less Than an Hour

Our American Stories

iHeartPodcasts

Society & Culture, Documentary

4.3 • 737 Ratings

🗓️ 9 January 2025

⏱️ 43 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

On this episode of Our American Stories, on January 29, 1774, Benjamin Franklin was called to appear in Britain before a select group of the King's advisors—in an octagonal-shaped room in a Palace called 'the Cockpit'. Though Franklin entered the room as a dutiful servant of the British crown, he left as a budding American revolutionary. This event ultimately pitted Franklin against his son, suggesting that the Revolution was, in no small part, also a civil war. Here to tell the story is renowned Franklin historian Sheila Skemp, author of The Making of a Patriot: Benjamin Franklin at the Cockpit.

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Transcript

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0:03.0	Let's go to work.
0:05.2	Join Bobby Bones on the official Yellowstone podcast for exclusive cast interviews,
0:11.2	behind the scenes insights, and a deep dive into the themes that have made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon.
0:17.8	Our family legacy is this ranch.
0:20.2	When I'm a, live my life.
0:22.1	Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast now on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
0:30.7	Black History Month is here, and we're excited to kick off season four.
0:35.5	Of I didn't know, maybe you didn't either.
0:42.3	This season, we're shining a spotlight on revolutionary women who redefined excellence. Give Grace Wisher her flowers.
0:44.3	Next time you see the American flag, you just remember a 16-year-old black woman helped to make it happen.
0:50.3	Listen to I didn't know.
0:51.3	Maybe you didn't either.
0:52.3	From the Black Effect Podcast Network on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or simply wherever you get your podcast.
1:00.0	I didn't know.
1:02.8	Hey, it's Alec Baldwin.
1:04.7	This past season on my podcast, Here's the Thing.
1:08.5	I spoke with more actors, musicians,
1:11.6	policymakers, and so many other fascinating people,
1:15.0	like writer and actor, Dan Aykroyd.
1:18.2	I love writing more than anything.
1:19.8	You're left alone.
	...

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