A Revolution in Ink – Mapping Benjamin Franklin’s Epistolary Network in the Habsburg Monarchy, 1776–1789

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Abstract

The American revolutionary and Founding Father Benjamin Franklin had significant ties to the Habsburg Monarchy. Between 1776 and 1789, Franklin received 253 letters from 93 individuals who either lived in or came from the Habsburg lands. Franklin corresponded with 15 Habsburg inhabitants during the same period. This article presents for the first time an overview of this epistolary network. It discusses the nature of individuals within the network and their strategies for communication. By examining this network we can discern Franklin’s crucial points of contact within the Habsburg Monarchy as well as see how his public persona altered from scientist to revolutionary.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDigital Eighteenth Century = Achtzehntes Jahrhundert digital = Dix-huitième siècle numérique
Subtitle of host publicationCentral European Perspectives = Zentraleuropäische Perspektiven = Perspectives de l'Europe centrale
EditorsThomas Wallnig, Marion Romberg, Joëlle Weis
Publishervan den Hoeck & Ruprecht
Pages91-113
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9783205209096
ISBN (Print)9783205209089
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameJahrbuch der Österreichischen Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des achtzehnten Jahrhunderts
PublisherVandenhoeck & Ruprecht
Volume34

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