Did Ben Franklin really want the turkey as the national bird? This question has intrigued historians and enthusiasts for years. While it is a well-known fact that Franklin proposed the wild turkey as a national emblem, the reasons behind his choice have been widely debated. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history behind this controversy and explore Franklin’s true intentions.
Benjamin Franklin, the esteemed Founding Father and polymath, expressed his preference for the turkey as the national bird in a letter to his daughter, Sarah, in 1784. In the letter, he humorously dismissed the bald eagle as a “bird of bad moral character” and suggested that the turkey, with its “a good-natured, sociable bird,” would be a more fitting symbol for the young nation. However, Franklin’s true reasons for this proposal are not as straightforward as they may seem.
One of the primary arguments supporting the theory that Franklin genuinely wanted the turkey as the national bird is his belief in the turkey’s qualities. Franklin saw the turkey as a bird of peace, representing the values of unity and harmony that he desired for the new nation. In contrast, the bald eagle, which Franklin described as “a bird of bad moral character,” was seen as a symbol of war and aggression. By advocating for the turkey, Franklin aimed to emphasize the United States’ commitment to peace and diplomacy.
Another reason for Franklin’s preference for the turkey could be attributed to his love for wildlife and his advocacy for environmental conservation. As a naturalist and scientist, Franklin was deeply concerned about the impact of human activity on the natural world. By proposing the turkey as the national bird, he may have intended to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats.
Moreover, Franklin’s choice of the turkey might have been influenced by the political climate of the time. During the late 18th century, the United States was struggling to establish its identity on the global stage. By selecting a bird that was native to the continent, Franklin sought to emphasize the country’s distinctiveness and connection to its land.
Despite Franklin’s strong advocacy for the turkey, the bald eagle ultimately became the national bird in 1782. This decision was influenced by a variety of factors, including the bald eagle’s status as a national symbol in European countries and its depiction on the Great Seal of the United States. However, the controversy surrounding Franklin’s original proposal has sparked a lively debate about the true intentions of the Founding Father.
In conclusion, while it is clear that Ben Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird, the reasons behind his choice remain a subject of speculation. His belief in the turkey’s qualities, his advocacy for environmental conservation, and his desire to emphasize the United States’ commitment to peace and diplomacy all played a role in his proposal. However, the ultimate decision to choose the bald eagle as the national bird was influenced by various political and historical factors. Whether Franklin truly wanted the turkey as the national bird or not, his original suggestion continues to inspire discussions about the values and identity of the United States.
