Benjamin Franklin had indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity and was regarded.
Benjamin Franklin . Franklin earned the title of `` The First American '' for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity , initially as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies . Franklin became a national hero in America as an agent for several colonies when he spearheaded an effort in London to have the Parliament of Great Britain repeal the unpopular Stamp Act . An accomplished diplomat , he was widely admired among the French as American minister to Paris and was a major figure in the development of positive Franco-American relations . He was active in community affairs and colonial and state politics , as well as national and international affairs .