Benjamin Franklin and the Question of National Character
Location
Massey Board Room
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
27-10-2005 6:00 PM
Description
Dr. Mulford of Penn State University explores how Franklin's writings represent the conflicting attitudes about empire, nationhood, and "race" in his era, showing how, early in his career, Franklin's ideas about different ethnic groups were shaped by the presumably liberal discourse of English nationhood. Later in his career, however, Franklin called England's vaunted liberalism into question.
Recommended Citation
Mulford, Carla, "Benjamin Franklin and the Question of National Character" (2005). Humanities Symposium. 8.
https://repository.belmont.edu/humanities_symposium/2005/2005/8
Benjamin Franklin and the Question of National Character
Massey Board Room
Dr. Mulford of Penn State University explores how Franklin's writings represent the conflicting attitudes about empire, nationhood, and "race" in his era, showing how, early in his career, Franklin's ideas about different ethnic groups were shaped by the presumably liberal discourse of English nationhood. Later in his career, however, Franklin called England's vaunted liberalism into question.
Comments
Keynote Address
Reception for Dr. Mulford to follow.