Revolutionary Divide: Benjamin Franklin’s Son Chooses Crown Over America

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The remains of William Franklin, son of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, were interred in London following his death in 1813. This event occurred more than three decades after he was compelled to leave America due to his loyalist stance during the American Revolution.

William Franklin, who served as the last colonial governor of New Jersey, found himself on the opposite side of the revolutionary conflict from his father. While Benjamin Franklin was a leading figure in the quest for American independence, William remained loyal to the British crown.

This familial divide underscores the complex and often personal nature of the revolutionary conflict. The Franklins’ story serves as a microcosm of the broader struggle that pitted colonist against colonist, family against family, in the fight for America’s future.

William’s steadfast loyalty to the British monarchy ultimately led to his estrangement from his father and his expulsion from the newly formed United States. His burial in London symbolizes the finality of his choice and the enduring impact of the revolutionary schism.

The contrasting paths chosen by Benjamin and William Franklin offer a poignant reflection on the sacrifices and divisions wrought by the American Revolution. Their story remains a powerful reminder of the personal costs of political conflict.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)