Summary
Benjamin Franklin sails to France to win the alliance the Americans must have to defeat Britain. With charm, wit, and patient diplomacy, he turns himself into the most popular man in Paris. Henri, back in his home country, watches Franklin work — and learns that wars are also won at the negotiating table.
Viewer safety
No violent content; historical debate and political tension.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Franklin understood that France, Britain's old rival, might help the Americans — but only if convinced the cause could win. His diplomacy was as vital as any battlefield victory.
- Why did the Americans need help from a foreign country like France?
- How can charm, patience, and reputation help someone in negotiations?
- Why might France want to help the Americans against Britain?
- When has talking and persuading solved a problem better than force could?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: diplomacy, alliance, ambassador, negotiation, reputation.
Try it: Imagine you must convince someone to help your team. Write the three best reasons you'd give them — thinking, like Franklin, about what THEY want, not just what you want.