Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin was apprenticed to his brother James Franklin at the age of 12, leading to his career as a prominent printer, inventor, and statesman. His experience in printing laid the groundwork for his many achievements, including the publication of Poor Richard's Almanack and his involvement in colonial unity efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Franklin, an aspiring printer, was apprenticed to his brother James Franklin when he was 12 years old. Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston in 1706, went on to become a significant figure in American history. As a young boy eager to learn the printing trade, Franklin's apprenticeship played a crucial role in his development as a writer, inventor, and statesman. This early experience in printing led him to eventually start publishing Poor Richard's Almanack, become involved in various philanthropic projects, and advocate for colonial unity.
Franklin's skills as a printer also made him wealthy and well-respected, which allowed him to retire and devote himself to public service. The contributions he made to society highlight the importance of the printing press and its evolution, from Gutenberg's movable type to later steam-powered and rotary printing presses that revolutionized information dissemination during the Industrial Revolution.