Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706 and became one of America's most influential founding fathers. He invented the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove, among other innovations. Franklin also established the first public library in America in 1731 and founded the University of Pennsylvania. As a diplomat, he helped secure French support during the American Revolution and was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the war with Britain.
In what year did Benjamin Franklin establish the first public library in America?
- In 1706 when he was born in Boston
- In 1731 during his innovative period (correct answer)
- In 1783 when negotiating the Treaty of Paris
- When he founded the University of Pennsylvania
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that Franklin 'established the first public library in America in 1731.' Choice A gives his birth year. Choice C gives the year of the Treaty of Paris. Choice D refers to founding the university but doesn't provide the specific year mentioned in the passage.