Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706 according to the 'Old Style' Julian calendar before the British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752. Franklin was a notable figure in history as a writer, scientist, and diplomat, with significant contributions to the founding of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706 according to the Julian calendar, which was the "Old Style" reckoning still in use in the British Empire until 1752. The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, was eventually replaced by the Gregorian calendar because it did not accurately reflect the length of a solar year, leading to a drift of dates about the seasons.
Franklin's contributions to society went far beyond the dates of his life, extending into writing, science, and diplomacy, including his role in publishing the influential Poor Richard's Almanack and advocating for the Albany Plan during the French and Indian War.
He was also the U.S. Ambassador to France, a delegate to the Continental Congresses, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at the age of 81.