Benjamin Franklin Before Parliament (1766): Part 1
In our first two episodes, the colonists stated their rights and appealed to the king. Now we cross the Atlantic to hear one man make America's case in London itself.In February 1766, Benjamin Franklin appeared before the British House of Commons and answered questions for hours: about colonial taxes, trade, wealth, and loyalty, and whether Americans would ever submit to the Stamp Act. His answers were plain. Pennsylvania had spent about 500,000 pounds in the last war and been reimbursed barely 60,000. There was not gold and silver enough in the colonies to pay the stamp duty for one year. And asked whether Americans would accept the tax even moderated, he said: No, never, unless compelled by force of arms.Before 1763, Franklin said, the colonists' temper toward Britain was the best in the world. They were led by a thread. Asked what it is now, he answered with four words: Oh, very much altered.Franklin's full examination is long, so we are hearing it complete across several episodes rather than cutting it down. This is Part 1.Founding of America playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrHxt4CpfgezohDMDP-Em1hnsDel0WbgDA note about the voice: speaking for long stretches is hard on my voice, so these episodes are narrated with an AI voice. It is how I can keep bringing you the books, sermons, and old documents I love. When the author is a man, you will hear a man's voice.I make educational comics for Christian homeschool families, on church history, science, and travel. You can find them, plus free printables, at https://www.thewanderingpilgrims.com. The Comics Club ($8/month) gets you the whole comics library: https://www.thewanderingpilgrims.com/comics-clubYou can also support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWanderingPilgrimsFind me here: Instagram @thewanderingpilgrims, X @WanderPilgrims, Facebook, and YouTube @TheWanderingPilgrims#benjaminfranklin #stampact #americanrevolution
