Nathan Holland

Ms. Norton

Blended English III CP

27 November 2016

Cultural Context Analysis

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written over a period of two weeks while

Franklin was in England in the year 1771. However, the stories of Franklins life told in this

book begin in 1757. This book tells the tales of Franklins life up until the time he wrote the

book, while he still had many great years of experience ahead of him at the time of the books

creation. Throughout Franklins partial life story we can see many well-known cultural events

taking place, perhaps most notable: The French and Indian war.

After assembling a state militia for Pennsylvania, Franklins ability to lead soldiers in a

smart and moral fashion was observed by many, most importantly was Pennsylvania Governor

Robert Hunter Morris. Governor Morris knew that Franklin ad the capacity to lead a group of

soldiers to defend the northwestern frontier of the war. While Franklin did not see himself as the

best fit man to lead these soldiers, he graciously accepted the offer and soon had over 560 men

under his command.

Now in command Franklin made it his first order of business to construct forts, Franklin

divided his men and sent the out to the three sites that required forts built. Franklin accompanied

the men going to Gnadenhut, the village most in need of protection. Upon arrival in the village,

Franklin saw to it that every house with a high window had a supply of paving stones that could

be dropped onto enemies trying to enter the house. As for the construction of the forts, Franklin
and his men laid out the plans for the fort and began to chop trees down to create the outer walls.

Franklin continues to give advice of keeping morale and productivity high throughout this affair.

After the fort had been constructed Franklin devised a plan to build fires to keep his men

warm while staying undetected by the enemy. He would have them dig a hole three feet in

diameter and four feet deep. The men would then burn charcoal in the hole and sit with their feet

and legs down in the hole to keep them warm.

In conclusion, the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin provides various insight into the

French and Indian war from a civilian and a military leaders perspective. Ben Franklin was able

to use his wisdom of the management of men to create a productive group of men that eventually

would achieve their goals.