In 1780, Holy Roman emperor Joseph II (1741-1790) was, with his entourage, travelling through France, when he came across American polymath and one of the United States’ founding fathers Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). When asked whether he, Joseph, approved of America, how did he reply?

Answer: He confirmed he did not, for “I am a king by trade.”

Source: The First American – The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H.W. Brands

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