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Ben Franklin chose America. Son William chose the crown. This civil war is a microcosm of revolution
The split reflected a wider Revolution-era divide, with as much as one-third of Americans remaining loyal to King George III, historians said.
- Founding Father Ben Franklin and his son, William Franklin, experienced a deep ideological divide during the American Revolution, a family conflict that serves as a poignant reminder the nation's founding was also a civil war splitting families 250 years ago.
- William served as New Jersey's governor for 13 years, maintaining royal ties even as Ben Franklin repeatedly warned him the new American government would arrest him for refusing to step down.
- Emerging American forces arrested William in January 1776, labeling him "an enemy of the country's liberty," and held him imprisoned until October 1778, often in solitary confinement.
- Following his release, William sailed for London in 1782 and died there in 1813, buried at St. Pancras Old Church—a final reminder the Revolution was as much civil war as founding act.
- James Taub, associate curator at the Museum of the American Revolution, notes American history remains defined by 250 years of ongoing disagreement, with citizens still living that revolutionary mission today.
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Ben Franklin chose America. Son William chose the crown. This civil war is a microcosm of revolution.
“The American Revolution is an ongoing event. We are living it, right still to this day.” The post Ben Franklin chose America. Son William chose the crown. This civil war is a microcosm of revolution. appeared first on Boston.com.
·Boston, United States
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Ben Franklin Chose America. Son William Chose the Crown. This ...
·Boca Raton, United States
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Associated Press News+26 Reposted by 26 other sources
Ben Franklin chose America. Son William chose the crown. This civil war is a microcosm of revolution
Benjamin Franklin's son William was buried in London following his death in 1813, more than three decades after he was forced to leave America.
·New York, United States
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In central London, near where tourists and business travellers board Eurostar trains to Paris, is the site where Benjamin Franklin's eldest son is buried, a man whose life and family relations were disrupted by his stance on the American War of Independence.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources30
Leaning Left11Leaning Right3Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 41%
C 48%
11%
Factuality
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