Documentary

Benjamin Franklin

An epic yarn spanning most of the 18th century, the series follows Franklin's career from humble beginnings in Boston to international superstardom: first as a scientist and revolutionary, and then as a founding father and America's first diplomat to France.

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Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

Benjamin Franklin

First Air Date

November 19, 2002

Last Air Date

November 20, 2002

Seasons

1

Episodes

3

Language

English

Production Companies

Networks

PBS

S01E03

The Chess Master

“The Chess Master” follows “America's native genius,” as historian Keith Arbour calls Franklin, through the final 14 years of his life, nine of which were spent in Paris as the rebellious colonies' ambassador to France. Franklin's first goal (aside from creating the U.S. foreign service on the fly) was to secure financial and military aid. He went about doing it in the same manner as he played chess.

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