Ben Franklin invented swim fins. Seriously. Picture him wearing a pair. You're welcome. (Source)

Ben Franklin coined the sayings "A penny saved is a penny earned," and "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Dude was pithy. (Source)

Cornwallis surrendered in 1781, but the Treaty of Paris wasn't signed until 1783, and ratified in 1784. That's a lot of time for bad things to happen. (Source)

France supplied up to 90% of the gunpowder used by the Patriots. Without them, the strongest thing Washington could use was harsh language. (Source)

George Washington was untested when he was appointed Commander in Chief. He was about all the Patriots had, so it was pretty much like, "Hey, you with the wooden teeth. Go win a war." (Source)