Benjamin Franklin - History Maker Author:Victoria Sherrow True or false? Benjamin Franklin's choice for the national symbol of the United States was the bald eagle. False! He thought the turkey was a braver bird! He invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, and a new kind of eyeglasses. He convinced France to help the American colonies fight for independence. He was the oldest signer of the D... more »eclaration of Independence and the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin made history!« less