Franklin is elected to the Philadelphia Common Council, marking the beginning of his formal political career.

Franklin helps found the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which later becomes the University of Pennsylvania.

Franklin is appointed Joint Postmaster General of North America, alongside William Hunter, further solidifying his influence over communications and transportation.

Franklin attends the Albany Congress, where he proposes the Albany Plan of Union, a proposal for a unified colonial government to address common defense and other issues. The plan is ultimately rejected by both the colonies and the British Crown.

Franklin is sent to London as an agent representing the Pennsylvania Assembly, tasked with resolving disputes with the Penn family, the proprietors of the colony. He spends several years advocating for colonial interests.

Franklin continues to serve as an agent in London, representing Pennsylvania and later other colonies, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Georgia. He becomes increasingly involved in the growing tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies.

Franklin testifies before the British Parliament against the Stamp Act, arguing that it is unjust and harmful to the colonies. His testimony helps to persuade Parliament to repeal the Act.

Franklin is implicated in the leak of private letters written by Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson, which reveal Hutchinson's negative views on colonial liberties. This scandal damages Franklin's reputation in England and leads to his dismissal as Postmaster General.

After years in London, Franklin returns to Philadelphia as tensions between Britain and the colonies reach a boiling point.