When Family Fought in the Revolution | Dover News

When the American Revolution tore families apart, few stories are more haunting than that of William Franklin—Benjamin Franklin’s son—who chose loyalty to the Crown and paid the price with exile and death in London. His tale reveals a war far more complex than simple patriot vs. redcoat: up to a third of colonists sided with Britain, enslaved people and Indigenous communities fought on both sides, and personal loyalties were shaped by visions of justice and freedom. William, once governor of New Jersey, clashed violently with his father, was imprisoned, and ultimately fled America—only to meet Ben one last time before his death. This fractured legacy reminds us that American history is built on disagreement, and understanding those divisions offers crucial insight into today’s struggles to build a more perfect union. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2cadf58b83a7a357