(a)Describe the colonists' reaction to Franklin when he arrives in Philadelphia. How likely are they to have had an experience similar to Franklin's? (b)How might the colonists' reaction be an indication of their desire for independence?

a. The colonists found Franklin awkward and ridiculous when he arrived in Philadelphia. This can be deduced from the thoughts of Mr. Read's daughter.

They are most likely to have had an experience similar to Franklin's because the transportation system was the same in most of the cities and since technology had not developed so much at that time for them to read about other places, a traveler from Philadelphia might have had the same experience in anther city.

b. Franklin was asked several sly questions by the by whom he asked of a place where a stranger could dwell. This likely showed that the colonists were suspicious of unknown visitors and eagerly anticipated independence.

Explanation:

In his autobiography, Franklin wrote of his arrival in Philadelphia. There he became short of funds. Being hungry he bought 3 pennies worth of bread which he ate as he walked down the street. Miss Reads who saw him walk by thought that he looked awkward and ridiculous. Anyone travelling to an unknown destination at that time, would have also experienced the challenges that Franklin faced.

The sly questions and the suspicious view the colonists had of Franklin were indicative of their desire to gain independence from the British rulers.

The objective of the Congress was to provide a long-term peace plan for Europe by settling critical issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. The goal was not simply to restore old boundaries but to resize the main powers so they could balance each other and remain at peace.