‘Franklin’ and the Ideals of the Revolution

The new miniseries explores American identity through the Founding Father’s eight-year diplomatic mission in France.

With the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence just over the horizon, Americans across the country are beginning to celebrate the events that made us who we are. In that spirit, Apple TV+ is currently streaming a miniseries based on the Revolutionary War starring Michael Douglas as the titular Franklin. 

Five episodes in, it’s clear the series is not perfect television, let alone perfect history. Nonetheless, Franklin’s high production value and compelling acting from both American and European cast members make up for a sometimes slow pace. And thematically, it captures the essence of the American Revolution—the struggle for freedom, and faith in a better life independent from tyranny.  

Rather than depict Benjamin Franklin’s life in its fullness, the series focuses on his eight-year diplomatic mission to France. Through skillful diplomacy, intrigue, and even propaganda, Franklin forged the alliance that was crucial to victory in the War for Independence. As the series ably highlights, it was a task fraught with uncertainty. 

When Franklin left America, the Revolution was in dire straits. British troops had forced the Continental Army out of New York City and defeated an attempt to liberate Canada. The United States desperately needed financial and military support from Europe. Franklin’s role was to secure a treaty with France and build a European coalition for the American cause. Without his spycraft and political art—and the guns, money, and men they secured—America would not have survived the war. 

Read more in The Dispatch.